Cloud computing makes it possible to access data from anywhere from virtually any platform. As long as you have a device with an Internet connection, you can run applications without the need to have them installed on your computer. Businesses benefit from cloud computing through reduced IT administrative costs and mobile productivity, but individuals also enjoy the power of cloud computing through its convenience and low price.
Here is a list of 5 such cloud computing services & tools that will help you benefit from this latest online revolution.
1. Google Docs Google has pioneered the use of the cloud to deliver services previously hosted on local machines. Since it first introduced its Gmail and Calendar applications, Google has become a leading provider of premium cloud-based software services, but its users can access its powerful Google Docs suite of productivity applications for free. Users can now open, create, edit, save, and share popular file formats such as Microsoft Office and OpenOffice files as well as RTF, HTML, and text files through the Google Docs platform. Businesses can easily integrate Google Docs with premium services from the Google Apps Marketplace to manage virtually every aspect of their operation through the cloud.
2. DropBox gives users a powerful and easy way to store files online for sharing or for backup. When you install DropBox on your computer, a special folder appears on your desktop. Everything that you save to that folder is synchronized to your DropBox account on the Web as well as to your phone and other computers. This way, you have access to your “stuff” no matter where you are. Even if your computer gets lost and stolen, your important files will still be accessible online through any Web browser. Your free DropBox account provides 2 GB of storage while the “Pro” account provides 50 GB of storage for $9.99 per month. A 100 GB DropBox plan is available for $19.99 per month.
3. Picnik a free online photo manipulation suite that gives you powerful image editing tools that were formerly available only though premium creativity applications such as Photoshop. Recently acquired by Google, Picnik is a cloud based application that allows you to upload your own images for editing or you can use the Picnik browser extensions to send images from the Web directly to your Picnik account where you can process them without them ever touch your hard drive.
4. Basecamp project management has forever been transformed by the cloud-based Basecamp service that provides online collaboration and management tools for team members and managers that are accessible from any computer or smartphone. With Basecamp you can save all files and project-related correspondence in one place. The Basecamp dashboard offers a concise snapshot view of project status and milestones. Basecamp is available for a free 30 day trial, with paid plans starting at $24 per month.
5. Dimdim provides a place to hold online meetings, conduct Web conferences, and conduct webinars in the cloud. With Dimdim, attendees can collaborate in real time as though they were in person. There are no limits to how much you can use the Dimdim service, so you don’t have to constantly balance the cost of meetings with your organizational needs. Dimdim has a free service that supports one video camera and up to 10 participants. With the free service, however, users can only hold public meetings in Dimdim branded meeting rooms with limited support. Premium packages provide enhanced Dimdim services that include multiple video camera support, live polling, and file sharing at prices starting at $25 per month.
The applications you just learned about are just 5 of the cloud computing services & tools that are available to you today. Try them all and see how the cloud can reduce your operating overhead and increase your bottom line.
