Head's in a (data) cloud

Most virtual assistants I know are quite tech savvy. Some, like myself, are self-proclaimed techno-geeks. Why the preface? Well there's something new on (actually, above) the horizon that has my keen interest right now: cloud computing. Google the term and you'll be inundated with links to track down. Though relatively new, the concept really took off last year, and will make appearances in various ways this year. So what is it?

"Imagine if you could have all of your applications, all of your files, all of your data, and all of your contacts at your fingertips — anytime and anywhere — all from a web browser." (Quote taken from Apps® on Tap, a Toronto-based application hosting company).

There's much more to cloud computing, obviously. My (admittedly limited) understanding is that instead of a company--maybe down the road, an individual--investing in more hardware, more software, more storage space (in short, more computing power), it can essentially rent or lease part of a much bigger computing 'cloud'. All of it would be delivered over the Net, eliminating or alleviating the need for that company, or person, to have computers as we know them. Perhaps one day this would lead us back--strange to say that--to dumb terminals.

I predict that a lot of us will be talking about the merits, or problems associated with cloud computing in the very near future. For now, I want to share what may seem to be some obvious perspective.

The world already heavily relies on the Internet. The Internet is, for the most part, the physical backbone and infrastructure of the World Wide Web. How much traffic, 'weight', or bandwidth can the Internet as it currently exists handle? Perhaps some of the larger players--Google, IBM, and others--are already helping us by bolstering this backbone. I don't know that for a fact, but I hope it's true.

When our ISP goes down, well, we still have access to any data that's stored locally. But what of data stored on the Net? There have already been isolated cases of parts of 'clouds' breaking down. For a small comment on that, housed in a wonderful article that talks about where cloud computing is going in 2009, see this article from InformationWeek: highly recommended reading.

Do you feel secure about online data storage? While cloud computing offers this, it also offers the actual applications (delivered online). It does this by grouping/connecting together several powerful computers--sometimes supercomputers. But back to storage. A few VAs I know use a very convenient and secure online backup system called Carbonite. Actually, saying they "use" it is an understatement; they rave about it. I just read another testimonial about Carbonite in a weekender report from VAnetworking. And more online storage or backup solutions have sprung forth recently. I get some free online backup space as a service of Spy Sweeper, but I'm not confident enough to use it yet.

There are numerous angles or roads one could go down in discussing the pros and cons of storing applications or data on other computers, and accessing it over the Net. In my VA practice, my current feelings take into account two things really: my own confidence, if you will, in the reliability and security of online storage, and concerns about the same things for client data. There's a difference between backing up online and primary online storage, but right now I'm not convinced that I should allow the Internet, the world's largest computer network, to 'serve' me up everything I need.

I said earlier that I'm a techno-geek. Because of that, I'll always be looking at new technology, and in fact embracing a good deal of it. For example, I'll soon head into the somewhat untested beta waters of Microsoft Windows 7. And I'm definitely in favour of breakthroughs, especially the kind that allow us to do more because of strong collaborative efforts. This makes perfect sense to me: after all, the virtual assistance field is replete with wonderful collaborative opportunities, and the people behind them, and I take advantage of many of those.

But my thoughts and work, as constructed sometimes using word processing software (that I purchased the rights to use), and as stored on a USB or hard drive (that I purchased flat out), are mine, and under my direct supervision for now ... well, on a good day anyway!

Comments

[Joe]

We will not likely ever go back to dumb terminals. CPUs are too cheap and powerful not to take advantage of running instructions (application logic) on the client (laptop, desktop, pda, mobile phone, music player, etc.)

However, storing data anywhere but online is risky! People are not responsible enough with laptops and airports - losing them, breaking them, and having them stolen. Data stored there is data that is not shareable, except in the negative theft case.

However, put your important files online at a service like http://MyOtherDrive.com, and you now can change computers at the pace of fashion and not risk losing your important files. People who manage very sensitive data have already learned this. People who want to share their data with others are also taking advantage of storing their files online.

Their is a big learning curve the public is going through, and the evolution of computer architecture has changed again - dumb terminals, to PCs not connected, PCs LAN connected, PCs WAN connected, while programs went from executing on the mainframe to PCs and portable devices, storage has moved from the mainframe, to PCs, back to the cloud.

[Kibrom]

I certainly wouldn't discredit traditional backup, but I do think there are some differences.

Having on site traditional backup is a great idea, but most people don't take the time to back up their files like they should. Also, on site backup is no good in the event of a fire, flood or other natural disaster (tornado, hurricane, etc). In a theft, an external drive can be stolen just as easily as a laptop or desktop.

Therefore, online backup gives you the added protection of storing your files off-site. Those who take the time to use traditional backup can get an extra layer of protection with online backup. For those who don't bother to take the time to use traditional backup methods, at least online backup will do it automatically for them.

For online backup and data storage info, I read http://www.BackupReview.info daily. This site has good articles, reviews, interviews and up to date news.