What is Cloud Computing for dummies

Cloud Computing - the term is being used more and more these days, and for IT professionals looking for the next big thing -- Cloud Computing has jobs available but professionals are not. We have already done a post on how the next big jobs would be cloud related and how many vacant positions went unfulfilled this year. Continuing on those lines we would like to do a post on what is Cloud Computing, what is the cloud and why all the fuss. Typically the term cloud has nothing to do with the clouds of nature, it is more to do with how Cloud Computing is explained and if you look at Cloud hosting and Cloud Services diagrams you will see that it invariably assumes the shape of a cloud. It is from this shape that the term Cloud Computing has been derived. Image below via wikipedia.

There are many free cloud based storage services that are available today like Google Drive, iCloud, Microsoft Sky Drive and DropBox to name a few. You can use these services for free and store all your files and folders for free online. This way whenever you travel there will be no need to carry your Laptop but a Tablet would do. Connect to any one of these services that you use and you're ready to go.

What is Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is the delivery of services both hardware and software across a network and mainly the internet. This means that once you connect to the cloud you have hardware available for storing your files and software available to make it possible. So large companies that do not want to invest in individual licences for each user which would mean paying for all the software used on each individual's PC, and also investing in hardware and servers to keep the services running. Companies use all of these resources that have already been setup in another location. So just plug and play without bothering about licences and software and hardware. So all a user needs is a lightweight mobile app or desktop -- without consuming too many resources. These work as pay-as-you-go models with large companies like Google and Microsoft offering the service for free up to a certain limit of storage space.

Why Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is also offered in different forms - Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud services. Public Clouds are usually free services that any one can use. A private Cloud is the entire setup done according to the specifications of a company for that company's use. Hybrid clouds are a mixture of the two. Cloud Computing typically tries to offer the end user the use of advanced high-end super-computing power for a price. Saving the end users all the trouble of investment, setup and running costs. very useful for small business, large businesses and individuals.

How to design a product like Apple [Video]

Apple products are know for a lot of features like design, simplicity, quality and innovation. Apple also became the biggest company in history and for sometime had more cash in hand than the US government. People pride themselves to hold an iPhone or iPad in their hands but all of this comes with a price. Steve Jobs was know to be a perfectionist and a task master -- someone who always wanted the best and at any cost. He might not have been the most innovative as many of their products are not original ideas. The difference however lies in the fact that they did it better that anybody else. There are a few key principles that are not to be missed if you want to be innovative and bring out the next best product. These are also lessons for life. Apple was also responsible for making cloud computing and cloud services popular with iCloud. A cloud based storage system that allows you to store all your music and videos in the cloud rather than on your local device.

Some of the rules followed by Steve Jobs and Co, was that they would not compromise on design just because a part of the product was not in the customer's line of sight. Every employee must have a deep understanding of the product being built and how it'll benefit the end users and society in general. Apple also has the principle of 'being wrong' -- you need to be light on your feet, innovative and interested in being wrong. That's what design and innovation is all about. Good design is motivated by failures and optimistic about change. In the end people don't want products that are filled with bells and whistles but products that are clean, simple and something they can identify with. Check out the fun video below and let's continue this discussion in the comments section below.

Video: How to design like Apple 
http://vimeo.com/54477408

Cloud Computing jobs are ready but professionals are not

No the title does not read wrong, this according to a latest study by Microsoft. There are a lot of Cloud technology and cloud computing jobs available in the market both in the US and Globally but there aren't works who are trained and ready. In fact Globally the talent hunt fares better than in the US and people trained in cloud technology and cloud computing are to be found more in number outside the US. New jobs are ready and have been created but IT personal have not upgraded their training. So although a whole host of jobs were available in the US the positions went unfulfilled. in fact the need for cloud-ready workers will grown by 26% annually and about 7 million new cloud jobs to be available by 2015 - globally.

Some examples of cloud related jobs are Help desk and end-user support, IT systems and operations, Application development and maintenance and Project and program managers. This IDC report has been sponsored by Microsoft and Microsoft have now improved their certifications to enable cloud-readiness. There is the new Microsoft certification's home for the Cloud -- which include certifications the the upcoming Windows 8. There is also the new Microsoft Virtual Academy to enable students to get ready for cloud related jobs and Microsoft IT Academy. So here it is folks if you are into IT and would like to make a switch into the ever growing Cloud Computing industry now is your best chance while the industry is still young vibrant and all set to go.

Source: Forbes and CIO and image via Wikipedia

BoxCryptor for Windows 8: Encrypt and store your files in Microsoft Skydrive

BoxCryptor is one of those service which is a must use thing especially if you want to encrypt and store your cloud files. If you are a regular user of DropBox, Google Drive or Microsoft's Skydrive. This is one service you need to find useful if you're storing sensitive data in the clouds. By encrypting and storing a file you can be assured your privacy and safety are protected. We have previously written about BoxCryptor and its many benefits --  now that it is ready for Windows 8 and Windows RT. The app is available to download for free and once you download and install the app -- it is quiet easy to setup and run. Giving you an extra level of protections for all your Windows 8 files, you are going to store in SkyDrive.

Once you have your files stored securely -- you can then download the same files decrypt and use them as you normally would. Decryption happens locally on your system. BoxCryptor for Windows 8 is available for free and can also be used on Surface and other tablets running Windows RT.

BoxCryptor for Windows 8 and Windows RT

BoxCryptor updates it's Windows and Android Apps

We have previously written about BoxCryptor, the service that lets you encrypt your sensitive files and store them on cloud service like DropBox and Box.net. In short BoxCryptor will let you cncrypt and store you files while on-the-fly. So once you download their app on Windows, Android and iOS. You can keep storing your files while on-the-go and from anywhere. The service has just announced an update to it's Windows and Android apps. This was announced at the London Web Summit 2012, where BoxCryptor was nominated as among the top 4 finalists. 

Version 1.3 for Windows is now ready for download and comes updates like faster and improved spped, made possible through AES Hardware Encryption. The result of which is improved speed by up to 200%. Improved compatibility with other software like portable software. There is also the option os sharing BoxCryptor files over the network

Version 1.1 of the Andriod version is also available and comes with quiet a few improvements. BoxCryptor can detect if you have changed a file after you opened it with BoxCryptor and automatically encrypts the changes to your DropBox. The ability to create new encrypted folders.

There is also serial number support for those who have not been able to download and use the Android app. This is for users who have not been able to purchase the app in Google Play (Android market).

Read more at the BoxCryptor Blog. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Google to launch free cloud-storage service called 'Drive'

Image Credit: Briankeithmay.com

One of Silicon valley's hottest startups is set to get some serious competition. There has been a lot of speculation about Google's GDrive, a free storage which will live in the cloud. Like Dropbox which offers 2 GB of Free storage and can be used as an extra drive on your PC. Google's new service is going to be called simply 'Drive'. It will function like an extra hard-drive on your PC and sync all the files you store on that drive in the cloud. This means no matter where you are and what system you are using, all your files will be accessible to you wherever you are. People using multiple devices to access the internet and all their date has given rise to 'Cloud Computing'. Google's famed GDrive will rival other cloud-storage services like iCloud from Apple, which lets users store all their data in the cloud and Dropbox which now has more than 45 million users. Dropbox also saves over 1 billion files every few days. 


The rise of cloud-storage services is driven by the need that people need to be on the go and not burdened with large cumbersome gadgets. Once you store all your files in the cloud they are available wherever you are, all you need is a simple internet connection. Google Drive is set to launch in the next few months and will offer free storage to uses. For those users who need larger amounts of free storage there will be a pay per store option. This service will especially come in handy for those users who would like to store and share their photos, videos and large files all in one location. 
Source: WSJ

An original post by

Sociolatte

How does Skydrive work

What is Windows Live SkyDrive and how does it work.


SkyDrive is part of Microsoft's Windows Live range of online services. SkyDrive is a file storage and sharing service that allows users to upload files to the computing cloud, then access them from a web browser. It is a cloud computing service or also know as a Cloud Storage service It uses Windows Live ID to control access to the users' files, allowing them to keep the files private, share with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly-shared files do not require a Windows Live ID to access.

The service currently offers 25 GB of free personal storage, with individual files limited to 50 MB. A Silverlight-based tool can be installed to allow drag-and-drop uploading from Windows Explorer. Up to five files can be uploaded each time if the tool has not been installed.




If you had previously been using Office Live Workspace you can now shift all your files to SkyDrive. To get started, sign-in to your Office Live Workspace account with your Windows Live ID and click the “Upgrade now” button. All your documents will be transferred to Skydrive (You will get an email once the process is complete) you can then permanently abandon your Workspace account.


Visit http://skydrive.live.com

You can sign-up with your Microsoft Account. Skydrive the cloud storage service from Microsoft. it can be used on the internet, there is a Skydrive App, it can be used on your iPhone, iPad and your Android phone and Windows Phone. Click on the links ot get the Skydrive app for your phone.

So, how does Skydrive work.

Personal folders: With personal folders, you can keep your files online and access them with virtually any web-enabled computer or mobile device—whether it's yours, a friend's, or a public computer.


Shared folders: Working on a project with classmates, coworkers, or family? With shared folders, the whole crew can upload, download, and collaborate with you on documents and other files.


Direct links: Each folder on SkyDrive has a unique web address, so you can save the link as a favorite or copy it and paste it into e-mail or other documents for direct access.


Password protection: You set the passwords and you decide who sees what, so you have confidence that your data is in your control.


With SkyDrive, you can embed public or shared folders on Windows Live Spaces. Everyone who looks at your space can see what you've made public, but only the people you've granted permission to can see your shared folders.