(+) A Report on my Move to the Cloud

I have moved. Well, not my personal possessions, my clothes, my tools, or even my computers. Instead, I moved my data and most of the tasks I perform weekly. I have moved to the cloud.

First, here is a quick definition of a cloud as the word is used in computer technology.

Cloud computing is internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and stored information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, similar to the electricity grid. In other words, most computing functions and data storage are provided by remote, high-powered computers (normally referred to as “servers”) connected via the internet. The computing power is shared amongst many users all over the world, and each user consumes as much or as little computing power and storage space as he or she needs. Expenses are also shared, and the result is more computing capability per dollar spent for everyone.

Some of those computers may be across town while others may be located at the far side of the world. The user typically doesn't know or care where the computers are located; all he or she knows is that a connection is made across the internet, and then the remote computer is used in much the same manner as a local computer. The result is lower expenses for computer hardware and software, along with the added convenience of having your data and applications easily available, almost wherever you are. In many cases, the services in the cloud are available free of charge.