Cloud Computing

Now, wait... computers in the clouds? Something to that effect? No, nothing like that. Actually, cloud computing is another coming wave of technology that consumers and businesses alike are being submersed in, either by choice, or nearly by force. A quick rhetorical before I continue:

How many of you have multiple services through one online provider(i.e. - Google)? I know I do. I use the search, I have GMail, I've used the Docs, I check my Reader, etc etc. Now, not but a few years ago, unless I was with a business on the forefront of technologies, I would probably have to use a different program, and possibly a different provider for each of these services.

Now, with the idea of 'cloud computing' very quickly gaining traction, most of us, even on the home-user level, are beginning to use it. I suppose before I go any further... I should explain the basics of cloud computing.

Essentially, cloud computing is the idea that instead of operating under the traditional server/workstation, software, download principle of passing information back and forth, cloud computing effectively keeps EVERYTHING on the server. That is, the information itself, your profile, the programs you'll use to access this information, everything. This presents organizations a brand new way to present you with any of your information, and that is... in full context, wherever on the Earth you might be (as long as you have internet access, of course.)

Don't get me wrong, I think the ideas in place here are phenomenal, and present everyone with brand new, and exciting technologies, my only issue here is personal privacy. Ultimately, every time you sign up for one of these services, you also agree to a Terms of Service agreement, and so forth. The little check box that says you Agree, the Agree button, etc.

I'd be willing to bet that most of us do not take the time to read through these heavy worded contracts (that they were/are, in effect, binding contracts) that we're agreeing to. That's problem #1. Problem #2 is the sheer location of your personal information and data, and that is, not in your control. Someone else is storing it, hosting it for you, making it available to you wherever and however you need to access it. I'm not implying none of these organizations are worth their grains in salt as far as our privacy goes, I just always ask that people think twice before willingly giving their personal information away. Safety first.

If you have any questions about today's post, or any other questions or comments, please feel free to check out our site at www.westcoastitsolutions.net , or send us an email at contact@westcoastitsolutions.net . We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. You can also find us on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Check the social badge to the right of this post to find those respective sites.

A Strange, New World

Advertising and Marketing seem to be changing faster than any of us can follow. Now more than ever, there are cheap (and sometimes free!) ways to get your organization's name out into the world, quicker than ever before. With social networking sites truly still only in their infancy, and Web 2.0 becoming the name of the game, the ability to connect with millions of people instantaneously is changing how businesses of every size are communicating with their respective markets.

I've just recently begun to persue these social networking mediums as a means by which to advertise and market with. Most of them allow you to create profiles or pages, free of charge. The level of customization that can be achieved on sites such as MySpace and Facebook are phenomenal, meaning that it appears as though we're in a world where just having your own, single web page is just not going to be enough anymore. Staying connected, and staying involved, and keeping your name out there, in as many places as possible... that's the staying trend that I've noticed.

Furthermore, there are numerous classifieds-type websites in operation all over the Internet, predominently, of course, is CraigsList. In alot of cases, CraigsList will allow you to post your service for free, or for cheap. On top of CraigsList, you can also search for 'free classifieds' on Google, and post your info and a link there as well.

There seem to be an endless array of options and opportunities in which to get your organization's name out into the eyes(and fingers) of the public at very little cost. In fact, with the right arrangements (making use of AdSense and related programs) it could be entirely possible to sustain a respectable Internet Marketing campaign, while actually generating revenue!

Is your organization making the best use possible of these mediums? West Coast IT Solutions can help make sure that your organization is reaching out into this strange, new world in all the best ways for your company. Visit us @ www.westcoastitsolutions.net to learn more about the services that we offer, take a peek at any of our social networking sites (cleverly listed off to the side, for your convenience) or just drop us a line via email, contact@westcoastitsolutions.net