What is cloud computing in simple terms

Posted on April 06, 2012

Posted by Gerben Meijer in Cloud Computing- How To 2 Comments

The best way to look at cloud computing is by visualizing a giant digital file cabinet. You and your employees all deposit information into this file cabinet once a week. It’s easy to get to, everyone has a key, and it is password protected. Once the information is in the file cabinet it gets stored in a remote location that can again be accessed by anyone who has the key or password, the only difference is this information is now freeing up space for more immediate projects. The remote location acts as the cloud.

The cloud sucks up all of this information (which you so kindly upload to it) and safely stores it. It creates this idea that you don’t need a giant hard drive to keep all of your data safe, just a strong password and a large server (a large server that you will never have to lug out of your building).

Here is another example, picture a cloud (a real fluffy cloud in the sky) that follows you around. Imagine every time you find information that you want to store you hit an upload button. The information then floats from your head into this giant cloud floating above, when you are ready to retrieve that information you reach inside and grab it. It’s as easy as that.

On top of being able to store all of your data digitally, you also have the opportunity to sync it. For example, if you’re at a networking event and only have your smart phone, you send all of the contact information you get, from the event, to the cloud. When you get home and want to write a follow up email you don’t need to scroll through your phone, instead you can download your stored contacts from the cloud.

By syncing all of your information into this digital space you can effortlessly carry around any information you need (without all the hassle of lugging an external hard drive around).

With all of the confusing technical lingo it’s easy to get lost, that’s why it’s important to remember the basics. And whenever you do get lost just remember a cloud is basically an endless digital filing cabinet. Be sure to stay tuned tofurther your knowledge about cloud computing.