Get Your Head INTO the Clouds

One of the newest concepts in IT is “cloud computing.”

Generally speaking, a computing cloud uses the Internet to perform usual computing functions, rather than local, network-based applications.

Cloud Computing known as SaaS (Software as a Service) is the one most users are likely to see.

This design moves local or network-based applications to the Web. By “clouding”, users can access applications without logging onto the local corporate network. This could both eliminate the need for corporate networks and enable access to applications from literally any device that can support a web browser, including cell phones, game consoles and airport kiosks. Since the end user does not own the costly infrastructure to run their applications, they in essence share the cost with all the other “tenants” who are likewise renting application services from the provider. This is a key advantage for SaaS since it can greatly reduce the growing annual software licensing costs businesses and institutions incur.

One major caveat to the success of this computing model is the availability of affordable high speed internet access. In recent years high speed Internet costs have plummeted but the U.S. still boasts some of the highest costs globally.

Early adopters of this technology are universities who generally have direct high speed Internet connections and host a large user community of students, faculty and staff. Using a SaaS provider like Google, with its Google Apps line, universities can save millions of dollars annually. In fact, Google is the largest provider of SaaS, offering Docs and Gmail for free to individuals, while charging a mere $50 per user annual fee to business users.

But don’t count Big Blue out.

Microsoft’s planned Office 2.0 line is rumored to have cloud capability with as much, or more, functionality than Google while maintaining compatibility with their successful Office suite of applications. Other notable mentions in this space are SaaS pioneers like Salesforce for CRM software and upstarts like LinkedIn for business-based social networking.

Thinking of dumping your annual software licensing fees and moving your knowledge workers to the cloud? Not so fast! Things to consider before dumping the old reliable desktop-based software are:

• Reliability of the SaaS provider – what is their uptime record?
• Reliability and speed of your Internet Service Provider? How often have you lost your connection to the Internet?
• How good is the SaaS provider’s support? Are they responsive enough for your needs?
• How customizable is the SaaS offering? Can you modify the application’s behavior, load your own document templates, or configure the CRM software for your needs?
• What are their backup and restore policies? Can you get a document restored or go back to a previous version?

In your final analysis it pays to carefully plan your computing strategy to determine if Cloud Computing is the right approach for you. While SaaS may be a good solution for a university with light office application needs, the more complex use scenarios might not be a good fit.