Google is embracing and investing (heavily) in Cloud Computing
Right now, out there scattered about the face of Earth are computers and data centers that, when used “as a unit”, function as a “cloud” of sorts. But not just any kind of cloud, an incredibly powerful one capable of inconceivable computing feats, even surpassing supercomputers in terms of sheer processing potential and overall function. In the simplest terms, there is hardly a ceiling when it comes to cloud computing; and Google is, and has been aware of this (and its potential) for quite some time. Yes, Google has been using, employing, and offering cloud computing for a number of years already (as you are undoubtedly already aware).
One of Google’s products, Apps for Business, is basically a complete cloud computing solution for certain types of businesses. By combining certain apps and functions with communication and other key features, Apps for Business is supposed to make it easier for businesses to carry out their daily operations, and so forth. It also touts other little perks, like the file update system (which globally updates users to the latest version of any file, etc…). But this is just one example of the many different ways in which Google is expanding its reach out into the cloud computing universe.
There’s been talk of a (supposed) future collaborative effort between Google and Apple on some type of “cloud computer” prototype. This would obviously be a specifically manufactured device deigned to take advantage of the strengths which are inherent to each / both companies (simultaneously). Who in their right mind wouldn’t be interested in such a thing, if it were mass-produced? Although it’s still unclear at this point, it’s a fairly safe bet to assume that Google (and / or Apple) will likely play a significant role in the mainstream emergence of cloud computing. After all, these two companies have basically integral to the way we do things now, at least from a technological standpoint. It’s not really necessary to expand upon how financially viable they are, either. It’s fairly self-evident that they are powerhouse companies, financially speaking; which is good news because the creation of such an infrastructure might require sizable investments and experience.
Of course there’s Microsoft as well. Microsoft is arguably Google’s biggest and most obvious competitor in the cloud computing “arms race”, that is, aside from the slew of startups that are springing up nearly everywhere. But this is a good thing, right? The market needs to be able to foster a competitive atmosphere in order to produce a quality product. The fact that there are smaller groups (like Dropbox) entering the cloud-based marketplace who are able to compete with megaliths like Google is also a really excellent sign. This essentially means that there is a both a great deal of room for (technological) growth, and that smaller organizations can actually earn some capital; the end result of which is, overall technological growth. The trend right now seems to be indicating that apps that are built around cloud computing are going to continue springing up.
Even if your company (which should be taking advantage of cloud computing in some capacity or another) is simply using cloud computing, and not actually having IT customize it, for example, there may still be potential for creative development (on your part). In other words, your business might create the need for a specific type of app, which your IT department creates and deploys through some form of (proprietary) cloud provider. Some current cloud providers, for example, have much more user-friendly interfaces for creating apps (even from multiple disparate components) than you might expect.
To make a long story, short; this is the reason why any IT manager or business owner / manager should really consider investigating having their entire (IT) department certified and trained in cloud computing. Most of the best programs are basically certified courses that are delivered via the internet. The “e-learning” programs work, they prepare you to pass a cert test. They’re also convenient, mobile (thank to tablets and smartphones), and extremely affordable as well. In fact, almost every provider offers group rate discounts when you purchase multiple licenses.
The real story though, is in what (steps) Google is making to try and attempt to further corner the cloud computing market. Virtually all businesses should be watching what the “big G” is doing with regards to fostering cloud computing technologies; there are things that can be learned, or rather, there are lessons to be learned from observing their actions.
Aside from simply taking advantage of all these wonderful apps, services, products and devices as they emerge from the fallout of another big cloud computing push, businesses need to be looking for additional ways to cash in. In other words, companies need to perhaps take a more active interest in the ongoing development out there; doing so might lead to additional revenues and income streams. However, at the very least, businesses need to be taking advantage of bundled cloud-based services, like those offered by Google, for example.