Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate Online

by Michael Miller and Michael Miller

Book Overview

Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate On-Line Computing as you know it has changed. No longer are you tied to using expensive programs stored on your... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789738031
• ISBN13: 9780789738035
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Que
• Length: 293 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Practical introduction to cloud computing

In the information technology world, the clouds keep rolling in. But this is hardly a cause for concern. These "clouds" are not threatening thunderheads but Web-based applications and services, accessible from any Internet connection. For instance, many businesses today use Salesforce for customer relationship management and many people use Gmail. In either case, users access these applications through a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. However, the users' data (customer names, e-mails and so on) isn't stored on their computers but "in the cloud," the technical term - or geek-speak - for "somewhere on the Internet." Some applications target the consumer, some target the business user and some target the software developer. Whoever the targeted users are, cloud-based applications and similar technologies are the next big trend in IT and getAbstract assures you that Michael Miller's brief, basic and very enthusiastic guide will help you understand them even if you are a novice. Sometimes it's useful to have your head in the clouds.

A nice introduction to Cloud services

This book is a nice introduction to cloud based applications available currently. Without going into too much technical detail, it gives a quick overview on how one can choose a cloud service online for a particular task, say online data storage. Although, it is not a user manual for the cloud services it discussed, the screenshot and figures are helpful for a novice in this area. This book is not written for a reader looking for help in research. However, first few chapters do discuss some fundamentals of cloud computing.

A good overview of an emerging field and some of its major players at the time

At the time of initially coming across this book I was experiencing problems finding materials on cloud computing and the potential changes that it was going to make to the typical persons current computing experience which as an IT professional I have a vested interest in. After reviewing its contents however, I initially dismissed it as being too consumer orientated when I was looking for something from a more corporate/enterprise viewpoint. Upon taking another look, however - books on this topic only recently becoming more prevalent, the author's approachable writing style is welcome throughout and generally provides a sound summary of the benefits and considerations of the resources available from the associated providers from the perspective of individuals/community groups/corporations. The exception to this being in the chapters under the section entitled "Cloud Computing for Everyone" where their structure obviously copied from one to another with only the keyword being changed makes for somewhat tedious reading for anyone wishing to obtain a comprehensive understanding. Of more significance (particularly in hindsight) under the chapter discussing social networking is a complete omission of twitter, which at the time of publication was already on its way to reaching critical mass. As per the nature of the subject matter the landscape has and is rapidly changing but this book provides a useful starting point without getting bogged down in the technology itself.

Great book

I thought the book did a great job at explaining the strengths and weaknesses of cloud computing. It also had some great reviews of cloud apps. I loved it!

Cloud Computing

In this day and age, computing and business are synonymous. Still, providing the right programs and the computers that can run these applications can be expensive. Updating them all on a regular basis is often an exercise in futility. Many businesses are finding their answers in cloud computing. Simply put, cloud computing allows individuals to access their work on the web. An online service holds the all the necessary programs in virtual reality and users need only log in to work. Thus, users don't have to actually own the particular application on their professional or personal computer, don't have to worry about storage, and never have to add updates. Moreover, as long as the person has internet access, he or she can access this work anywhere and at any time. Cloud Computing looks at both the pros and cons of web-based applications. Although it would seem that the benefits highly outweigh the concerns, anyone wishing to use these systems has to do their homework to make sure that the providers they use are secure. It's also extremely important to make sure that service match the company needs.