This progression has spawned a new generation of service-oriented billionaires from the “Google Guys” Larry Page and Sergey Brin, to the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Services are becoming the main breadwinner of American economics, and when analyzed deeply enough will leave two words at the end of all our tongues, “What’s next?”

Cloud Computing as a concept is said to be the brainchild of John McCarthy, a computer scientist who also coined the term artificial intelligence and invented the Lisp programming language, when he said that one day computing may be organized very much like a public utility. McCarthy unfortunately passed away before his concept became as invasive as many of the public utilities we have already, but we are definitely approaching the movement with great momentum, and his concepts have allowed the next generation of thinkers to push the concepts forward to meet the eventual inevitability of cloud computing being added to the public utilities repertoire.

One of the great thinkers of our day in the world of cloud computing is David Linthicum, whose blog on the subject can be found at InfoWorld. He is the Chief Technology Officer at Blue Mountain Labs and the coauthor of 13 books on computing including the best-seller “Enterprise Application Integration” (Addison Wesley). One can derive from David’s actions that his life has been dedicated to the progress of cloud computing (a contemporary buzzword he says will one day be simply, “computing.”). David (Dave) was generous enough, despite his very busy schedule, to answer a few questions related to cloud computing for us:

Q: What is cloud computing? What are some of the potential benefits?

A: Cloud computing is a model of computing where we’re able to leverage computing resources on-demand. This means that we can allocate as many resources as we need, when we need them, and only pay for the resources we use. Cloud resources include storage, compute, and software, and even networking, security, and testing. The list grows each month. Cloud may exist outside of the enterprise, or public clouds, or inside of the enterprise, called private cloud.

The potential benefits include:
• The ability to only use and pay for only the resources you need.
• The ability to provision those resources on-demand.
• The ability to scale to massive loads.
• The ability to become more efficient and effective around costs and service to end-users.
• The ability to get systems up-and-running quickly, and mix and match resources required supporting those systems.
• The ability to become more agile. The ability to change quickly around changing business requirements.

Q: How will cloud computing effect PC makers like Dell and Apple?

A: More processing will move outside of the enterprise, thus we won’t have to upgrade PCs as often. I think they will show a lag in sales as cloud computing becomes more of a force. However, at the same time cloud providers, and those building private clouds, need cores for their data centers, and we’re seeing a increase in server sales right now. Thus, they could find that their business shifts, but continues to grow.

Q: How will the fast progress of cloud computing affect the online storage industry?

A: It shifts, but grows. The need for storage is significant, and growing all of the time. In many cases storage-as-a-service will solve the storage problem of enterprises, and we’ll see some movement in that direction considering the ease of use, the ability to self-provision, and the lower cost. However, keep in mind that no matter if you’re using a IaaS provider for storage-as-a-service, or a traditional storage provider, it’s still storage. The patterns remain the same; the models for delivery are changing however.

Q: What areas is cloud computing still (no pun intended!) lagging in?

It’s lagging in security and standards.

Security is catching up with the cloud right now, and we’re seeing many new and innovative approaches. However, it’s really around the experience of those deploying cloud solutions that needs improvement.

Standards are beginning to appear. Mostly around tactical areas of cloud computing, such as security, storage, and compute services. However, many cloud providers are slow to support them, or are just giving them lip services these days. I suspect a few will emerge shortly.

We really appreciate Dave sharing his expertise on the issues of the world of cloud computing, it’s benefits, its current drawbacks, and where we will stand in the coming years – Thanks Dave!

1. Files Direct – FilesDIRECT is a web-based file transfer service built for businesses and organizations for sending large files and receiving large files regularly from multiple contacts. It eliminates the hassles of FTP and the limitations of e-mail.
2. We Transfer – A free platform for transferring large digital files up to 2Gb per transfer. They can transfer any type of file, some of which include presentations, photos, videos, music and documents.
3. You Send It – A secure online file sharing software that allows you to easily send large files and e-mail attachments. You Send It also offers managed file transfer.
4. Transfer Big Files – This site offers free file hosting, large file transfer, and the option of e-mailing large files. Just drag and drop your files, and they will send them for free!
5. Send This File – A good resource for those seeking an affordable way to send files. You have the ability to share files with anyone with a link as well as the ability to transfer and receive large folders. Optional Outlook plugin is available and no software is required.
6. CC File Transfer – A web based file transfer software built for people that need to regularly transfer files from pc to pc. This software can also help you share files, photos, music and video with your friends.
7. Microsoft File Transfer Manager – Microsoft’s file transfer manager is a client-side application whose purpose is to provide secure and guaranteed delivery when downloading or uploading large files over the internet.
8. Sysax – Windows file transfer software that supports secure and automated transfer of files and folders between computers across the internet.
9. File Transfer – This site provides a web-based application that enables you to upload and transfer files of unlimited size to any recipient.
10. Android File Transfer – An application for Macintosh computers you can use to view and transfer files between your Mac and an Android device.
11. Ipswitch File Transfer – Ipswitch File Transfer deals specifically with managed file transfer.
12. Share File – This site allows you to create a custom-branded, password-protected space where you can exchange business files with clients easily and securely.
13. Sendoid – This site lets you send files to anyone with an internet connection via an on-demand peer-to-peer direct connection for free. Your file will go straight to its destination so no server space is required.
14. Onehub – A web application that provides everything you need to easily and securely share files and collaborate online.
15. Cincopa – A fast way to send large files such as videos, music and photos without size limitations to any device.
16. Pipe Bytes – A free online service which lets you share files with your friends. This service is web-based, which means no software installation is required. Exchange files of any size with anyone you want.
17. File Catalyst – This is a fast file transfer platform which allows users to easily send large files.
18. Anyplace Control – Allows you to transfer files to or from a remote computer.
19. Minus – This site is one of the simplest free file sharing platforms online.
20. Adobe Send Now – This resource lets you send, share, and track large files online without the headaches of e-mail size restrictions, multiple e-mail attachments, FTP sites, and costly overnight services.

• The price

The first and most important factor that you have to evaluate in an online storage service is its price. The price of most online storage services depend on the amount of storage space you need. If you only need a couple of gigabytes of storage, then there are some service providers that offer this space for free. However, if you need more data storage space, then you would need to pay a price. Most data storage services offer just a monthly or annual payment plan, while some of them also charge on a per MB data transfer basis. You need to check all this and calculate the total cost of using these services.

• Feature set

Online storage services offer a number of features. The most common feature that you would find in these services is remote access. Another feature that you would find in some data storage services is mobile access (which lets you access your files and data from your Internet-enable mobile device). The next feature that you have to check for is private and public file sharing. These options are dependent on your own preference, so make sure that you choose the right one. Some online storage services also offer both kinds of file sharing. The drag-and-drop feature is not found in many, but it can make your life much easier. If you would like to create sub-accounts within an online storage account for better segregation of data, then you can find some services that offer this feature as well. Another helpful feature to look out for while testing an online storage service is file search.

• Security settings

The next thing to look at while looking for online storage services is its security features. SSL encryption is a prerequisite for any good online storage service, along with password protection. You may also find multilevel security in some services.

Many online storage services offer a free trial period for you to try out their features before you actually sign up for an account. Even if they do not give this option, you can always search the Internet for extensive reviews where each of these services have been tested and evaluated for your benefit.

Photo via Wanderlise

However, there is an alternative way of storing data that allows you to reduce the chances of accidental data loss by huge margins- online storage.

• Professional writers and individual business owners generally store all their work and important data on a single hard disk- external or internal. However, hard drives fail or lose their ability to retain data over a period of time.

• Most hard drives tend to fail without any warning whatsoever. Internal hard disks are the most vulnerable to accidental data loss. Their physical structure is very delicate. The data inside is susceptible to virus attacks and system crashes at all times. In short, physical hard drives are accidents waiting to happen.

• Most professionals and private individuals are using online storage to keep their files secure. They can access their data whenever they want. They have no fear of accidental data loss, even if their entire system crashes.

• Medium sized businesses face the same problem. They have a lot more data to take care of than individual professionals. That means that they would have to get a lot more hard drives, which costs a lot of money.

• Businesses that are looking to grow would not want to spend too much of their budget on a storage option that is susceptible to accidental data loss at any time. This is why growing businesses form the majority of online storage users. By keeping their data secure on an online storage account, small and medium sized businesses can concentrate on expanding their business instead of worrying about the loss of their data.

Large companies can also look at online storage as the best way to avoid accidental data loss. Every piece of information is important for conglomerates. Some of them store their data onsite in their own storage system that consists of rows and rows of servers and hard drives. However, these systems are susceptible to accidental loss of data whenever there is a power outage or if a few employees accidentally upload a virus into the mainframe.

If these businesses keep their data on an online storage system, they can be free of such problems and remain assured that their data is safe from accidental data loss.

Photo via kodomut

Cost efficiency:

If you are a large business or if you deal with a lot of data-critical, as well as non-critical, would you like to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for hardware to store your data? The answer would probably be a resounding ‘no’. Businesses are trying to cut costs in every way possible, so removing the need for hard disks would mean a big reduction in their budget. Instead, they can use the same money to invest in more efficient and hassle-free storage options.

Access your data anywhere:

Imagine not having to carry around hard disks or USBs wherever you go. The freedom of accessing humungous volumes of data at any remote location has been one of the biggest plus points of online storage. It doesn’t matter if you are in a small town, a foreign country, or in an urban jungle- you can access your information as long as you have an internet connection.

Safety from any kind of physical damage:

With an online storage backup option, you don’t need to worry about any kind of damage that can occur due to a fire, hurricane, or any other natural disaster. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about breaking and entering and data theft. Your data is stored securely in a non-physical form in a remote, undisclosed server.

Low Maintenance:

Hard drives are prone to technical problems that can render your data inaccessible. In many cases, your data may even be deleted or unrecoverable. You need to constantly inspect and update or repair any sections of hardware, and this means a continuous stream of money going in just for maintenance purposes. You can get rid of the added responsibility of maintaining hard disks by simply going in for an online storage system.

When you look at all the above advantages, it is no wonder that an increasing number of businesses and individuals are opting for online data storage. However, if you are still not convinced, you can always visit OnlineStorage.org to find out more on online storage.

Photo via websitedesignforlawyers

It is important to understand the meaning of ‘simple’ and ‘secure’ in this case. Without having a clear idea of these two terms, it is not possible to arrive on a meaningful conclusion as far as storage solutions are concerned. Many banking organizations and business entities rely on various traditional storage media like magnetic tapes.

These magnetic tapes have various advantages as storage media. You can literally store information on every database transaction. However, the process of recovering data from these tapes or even storing these tapes for a very long time is not an easy one. Additionally, this method is not very cost effective and not very secure either. Considering these disadvantages, it becomes important to look out for storage mediums that are simple, as well as secure.

In the last few years, online storage companies have picked up a lot of speed. These companies have been able to get access to thousands of customers in a short period of time. This large scale adoption is clearly due to the kind of benefits online storage companies provide. Storing data on an online server is both easy and straightforward. It means that your data will be accessible at all times as long as you have internet access. Online storage simplifies the process of uploading and downloading data to a great degree, and in today’s day and age, you can just upload all your data through a web browser.

Some online storage companies are also giving away desktop utilities that synchronize with your folders to create backup copies online. As you continue to work on your computer, the software will automatically create backup copies at a distant server. Data stored at a distant server is completely immune to any kind of virus attack or natural calamity. Even when the data is transferred from your computer to a distant server, it is in an encrypted form, so there are no chances of losing your data to an intruder on the way.

Does your data storage medium support automated backups? All major online storage companies allow their customers to create automated backups nowadays. Without having a dedicated professional to take care of backups every day, you can just schedule online backups on select computers.

The process becomes completely hassle-free this way. You need to switch to these automated storage options in order to save time and energy. Also, automated storage media never makes a mistake. If certain files and data on your computer have to be copied to a distant server, it will never fail to do so as long as your internet connection is consistent.

Do your data storage media provide remote storage? Old and obsolete data storage media are not so great as far as an organization’s security needs are concerned. An online storage company provides its customers with an option to store all data at a safe and secure online location. Remote storage servers are completely safe from break-ins, natural calamities and even the fiercest of data hacking attacks.

This is because an online storage company can afford to keep multiple copies of your data at various servers protected by more than one layer of physical and logical security. If you are still saving all your critical files on a local computer or server, you need to think again. Without spending too much, you can afford to enjoy the services of an online storage company.

Are you able to restore your data in an easy way? It is not always easy to restore data in the event of a calamity, crash or wireless outbreak. The task of restoring your data from some traditional storage media can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Such obsolete methods need to go.

Sign up for an online backup service. Once you create an online backup, you will find it very easy to download files. Some companies will even drop backup CDs or DVDs at your doorstep in the event of an emergency.

Photo via Amhakia

Internal and external hard drives: These storage drives are vulnerable to logical crashes and virus intrusions through the internet or a local area network.

USB storage devices: You have heard of hardware-encrypted flash drives. Manufactures claimed that these were the portable storage devices capable of protecting your data from a large number of virus invasions. However, these USB storage devices are not free from vulnerabilities. Hackers are able to break passwords for such storage devices by using simple software systems. Also, these devices are vulnerable to data loss due to physical damage or logical crashes.

Online storage mediums: Online storage mediums are the safest alternatives to traditional methods of data storage. In fact, thousands of small and large organizations are now switching to online storage servers for the very same reason. Businesses cannot afford to lose their customer records, billing information, sales data, financial information and other omniana at any cost. That is the reason why they are now relying on online storage companies for such services. Online storage is safe from break-ins and virus intrusions. An online backup storage company deploys multiple layers of physical and logical security. Also, data is replicated in an encrypted form so as to avoid data loss in the event of a natural calamity.

Magnetic tapes: Handling magnetic data storage tapes is not an easy job. Magnetic tapes are vulnerable to all sorts of damages. In a way, this storage medium is more likely to cause data loss if the person responsible for handling them is careless. It is easy to make backups on these tapes. With the help of the right software and hardware, one can easily retrieve information stored on these tapes. However, they require expert maintenance.

Compact disks: Several businessmen, students, and common PC users store sensitive information on compact disks and DVDs. These storage devices are highly vulnerable to data loss. Also, they are vulnerable to theft. There is no way to protect the information stored on these disks. Storing songs and movies on these disks is alright, but you shouldn’t really use them to backup essential business records or other important files. Also, CDs and DVDs may just wear away in a period of 2-3 years.

That is the reason why online storage companies can now offer unbelievably great storage offers. You get to use TBs of data by paying just a few dollars per month. High broadband connections have made it possible to envision a centralized, well protected, and secured data server for everyday needs of individuals and businesses.

Online storage services are still evolving because the quality of service depends on the connectivity of a remote station to an online server and the effectiveness of an online server to handle astronomically large amounts of data. Here are a set of essential features of online storage service that you should know about –

Automated backups controlled by well designed software tools – Institutions and organizations that need online storage services the most also need to do so on a regular basis. Backing up information a dozen times a day or even more is a tedious process. It is very important for an online backup service to provide tools that support automated backups.

Several companies are now offering enterprise level automation tools that can backup data millions of times in one day. These automated tools are being used to backup business critical data by financial institutions, market research companies, and IT giants. Every single database transaction is backed up to a distant server by an automated software tool.

Round the clock recovery of data from any place – An online backup service must enable all customers to recover data at any time from any place. Mobility is one of the greatest features of an online backup service and it must provide that at all costs. Preparing itself to keep off unauthorized access to data storage from unknown IPs or unauthorized users is also very important.

While some companies support connections over HTTP, few others are directly deploying FTP tools at the customer’s end. Depending on the volume of data concerned and the seriousness of information, it is important for an online storage service to provide different sets of options.

Security against viruses, attacks and natural calamities – An online storage company must be prepared to fight viruses, Trojans, and worms of all kinds. Similarly, clients’ data should be protected from natural calamities as well. Making use of encryption tools to secure stored data is most important.

These personalities, and countless other writers, have made their mark on the world only through their works of literature. Now, imagine what would have happened if they had not stored their literature with them- the names of these talented geniuses would have been wiped away from history, and nobody would have bothered to remember them.

Thus, storage is very important for any writer. The importance of storage, however, doesn’t just stop there; it applies for freelancers as well. Freelancers may not be able to display their names for all the projects they write, but it is still important for them to store their previous work. Clients would accept a freelancer only if they are satisfied with their writing style, and the only way to judge them is by going through their previous work.

Freelancers, however, have a twist in their storage requirements as compared to novelists or writers. While the latter are perfectly happy with a portable storage device they can carry around, freelancers need to have an online storage device. This is because most of the work of a freelancer is done online, and it would be more comfortable for them if they used a web-based storage device as compared to a physical storage unit they would have to carry everywhere. Thus, an online storage device allows freelancers to work from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. This kind of convenience is a huge advantage for freelancers.

An online storage service may have a lot of features. As a freelancer, you need to have certain features in your online storage service in order to be efficient in your business. Here are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind:

Look out for a user-friendly interface in the storage service. Ease of use is very important for storing information correctly, because a huge data storage capacity is of no use if you cannot understand how the system works.

You are using online storage services to protect your work from getting lost or deleted. Make sure that your online storage service has proper protection features. Protection is important against system crashes, virus attacks,, and other situations.

Any freelancer would understand how important it is to keep files and important information in order. Therefore, archiving features also need to be checked when you are looking for an online storage service, to protect your important files from getting deleted accidentally, and to keep it easily available for you to use.

The web has provided freelancers with a lot of new options to choose from as an online data storage service. Now, you can easily choose from the wide range of storage services available by keeping the above tips in mind.