Cloud computing lets you access your data and programs over the internet.
Cloud services are the software, platforms, or infrastructure hosted by third party providers and made available to users through the internet.
Google Drive is a cloud computing service with all storage found entirely online. It can interact with other cloud productivity aps such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Google Drive is super convenient and can be accessed from many devices such as a desktop, tablet or mobile device. It can also be used a repository for your own personal documents and information, but is more often used for a team of people to all access shared information. My personal experience with Google Drive is mostly from using Google Docs. When I worked as a Beachbody Coach all of our challenges, meal plans, workout schedules and every possible thing we needed to promote our online business was stored and accessed through Google Drive. This is a super easy and convenient way to work as a team and share what works. It is also super easy to pre make meal plans and artwork to make daily posting easy for new members. And to keep track of training and events.
Apple iCloud is primarily used for online storage and backup. But it can also synchronize your mail, contacts, calendar and much more. iCloud is built into every apple device and has 5GB of free storage. All files from all of your Apple devices can be kept in iCloud Drive so that you can access them from any of your devices. You can utilize a private link to share files and documents. I personally mostly us my iCloud for storage and backup. I have a very large amount of photos on the cloud. I actually have to pay for extra storage for my iPhone because I have so many photos. I also use iTunes for music storage. Probably my most favorite cloud service is Siri. Siri is a virtual assistant. She can set alarms, put things on my calendar, look up recipes, and tell me how many carbs are in any food. I also often ask her to look up phone numbers or addresses of place I need to go or call.
- Would this application/system work as well NOT in the cloud?
No I do not think either would work efficiently not in the cloud. We would have to go back to manual storage and sharing.
- What are the advantages to having this system on a distributed network?
There is an advantage in network speed as the information is not in a central location and can be accessed by a large number of people without creating a bottleneck.
- Do you have any security or privacy concerns when using this system?
I think we should all be aware of security and privacy. There is always the potential for information to be misused.
- Anything else you’d like to share about cloud services.
Cloud services have developed at a superfast pace. And I think the trend will continue as more and more people come to rely on cloud computing. More people are working remotely and it is more important than ever to be able to share information and work as a team even when we can’t be in the same location.
Interesting articles about cloud services and cloud computing:
What are cloud services? (redhat.com)
What Is Cloud Computing? | PCMag