Software is taking over the skies...in the cloud, that is. We talk with companies every day that never thought they would be doing anything in the cloud but are there today.
The number of applications that are living outside the four walls of businesses today is mind-boggling. So is this a trend or a fad? Is this just for the 20 somethings or does it have no age boundaries? Are the security fears subsiding or are they just building silently until one day they will just explode?
We think the answers are:
The cloud or having software hosted outside your home or business is a trend and not a fad. The momentum is so strong that in 10 years it will be hard to remember when we actually had software ON a particular device.
Using cloud based software is for everyone. My mom, who is just over 80 years young is using cloud based e-mail, g-mail, although I think she does believe that it is on her computer. But isn't that the goal? Software should feel as though it is right there in front of us even when it may be hosted hundreds of miles away.
As far as security is concerned, there are always risks, but in our estimation the risks are far less with companies whose primary source of revenue is providing cloud based solutions. Is your current server room (if you even have a server room and not just an air conditioned closet) protected with biometric entry security and halon fire protection and 24/7 conditioned power...probably not.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Let us know what software you are using that is in the cloud. Tell us how it is working for you. Share the good, the bad, and the ugly so that everyone becomes better educated about the direction that software is headed.