Cloud computing is a hot topic in the technology world... and increasingly many people in the business world are asking the same question, what is cloud computing?
If you use more than one computer, or have a smartphone as well as a PC, you've probably endured the hassle of trying to share your files across them. Well cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. It is possible to sync all your files across your computers and devices. Automatically sync files across computers. You decide which files and folders you want to sync and where you want to sync them.
Cloud computing relies on sharing resources rather than having local servers handle applications. In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. The program works in the background, so your most important data is always backed up and available to you. You can start editing a file on your office PC and finish it on your laptop at home. A cloud service has three distinct characteristics that differentiate it from traditional hosting. It is sold on demand, typically by the minute or the hour; it is elastic. Cloud computing give an organization access to the very latest version of every Cloud app you choose and service, plus support for high-performance platforms and the latest industry standards, (you get the latest features as soon as they’re released). Optional cloud storage, now goes up to 100GB, allows sharing of creative work, folders, and synced settings.
With our mobile devices and laptops filling up with memory-intensive movies, music, podcasts, photos, apps, books and more, the Cloud offers an elegant solution — storage that you access via the web from any of your devices. But what if you don't like the idea of your precious files sitting in a remote location? The answer is personal cloud storage such as WD My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage NAS - 3 TB
Cloud Storage Drive
Access from anywhere
Enjoy your digital life from anywhere on your PC or Mac, tablets or smartphones with WD's file management app.
So much more than storage
Enjoy the best of both worlds. The 3TB capacity lets you centralise all your files securely on the My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage device, while Wi-Fi connectivity means you can backup all your devices and access your files from around your home, and anywhere in the world via the web. So connect and backup in Africa.
Fast, reliable, safe
WD's My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage 3TB has a dual-core processor of its own, plus rapid gigabit ethernet for seamless remote access. In addition, each user can prevent unauthorised access to their files using their chosen password protection.
Backup when and how you want
The device lets you decide how and when you backup your files. PC users can use the integrated WD SmartWare Pro software to customise their settings while Mac users can take advantage of all the features of Apple's Time Machine backup software in conjunction with My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage 3TB. And because you can set up automatic backups, you can just let WD's My Cloud device take care of protecting your files.
How much can you store with 3TB?
- 600,000 photos* or...
- 230 hours of video* or...
- 750,000 songs*
*Approximately
My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage 3TB
Not only is the My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage 3TB an elegant, simple-to-use way to backup and store your media files but, because it connects to your home Wi-Fi network, it also enables you to access them over the internet wherever you go and from any device. The gigantic 3TB capacity will store all your files (probably with plenty to spare) giving you your own reliable and secure personal Cloud storage without subscription fees. Cost around £135
US (only)
WD My Cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage - NAS (WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN)
Business Benefits And Drawbacks To Cloud Computing
Backups, updates, support and maintenance are carried out for you, without the need for expensive IT support contracts and additionally you will always have the most recent versions of software.
Companies don't have to buy a set of software or software licenses for every employee. Instead, the company pays a metered fee to a cloud computing company
Drawbacks
Possible downtime
Security and privacy is a concern for a company
Cost
To be sure you're saving money, you have to look closely at the pricing plans and details for each application.
Cloud computing costs are constantly changing, so check current pricing.
JustCloud
Cloud computing consists of hardware and software resources made available on the Internet as managed third-party services. JustCloud is a cloud computing service that uses a small desktop application to backup all of your computers to the cloud. Your files are constantly backed up and you can access them at anytime from any device in the world.