The Buzz - Working in “The Cloud”
A new buzz is forming on the internet about working in “the cloud”.
“Working in the cloud” is a term used to describe document and calendar creation, as well as storing contacts, and bookmarks on the web. It’s roots extend back to some applications like Open Office, and Application Service Providers (ASP’s) which was a paid service that hosted virtual productivity applications beyond the scope of services provided by Internet Service Providers (ISP’s).
Recent surveys conclude that the majority of users still prefer Microsoft Office for business productivity. Open Office is the runner up with Google docs bringing up the rear.
Some new applications are emerging that run both the OS and free (yes, I said free) applications in a desktop environment that displays inside the browser session. The aim is that internet users will opt to host their productivity apps in the more centralized environment of the internet, although newer versions boast offline operation as well.
Xcerion’s icloud “web OS” seems to be the newcomer to watch with a full staff of developers and an arsenal of applications ready for users to get to work on right away.
So check it out, and see for yourself if you can be productive “in the cloud”.
WOW ZeN my friend that is very interesting!!!!
Although the appearance of new ‘web OS’ companies is encouraging and promising, there’s still a lot left to be desired in terms of performance and capabilities. That’s all part of the early adopter paradigm, and companies such as Xcerion are not to be faulted for that, but there’s not much that’s compelling to the average user about such a web-based platform at this time.
Having said that, I currently am an extremely heavy Google user, from GMail to Docs to Google Apps, for both personal and business use. I also use Amazon AWS and S3 functionality for some business purposes. I am impressed enough by these things that I have very high confidence that cloud computing will gain in importance every bit as fast as these companies are betting it will.
I do have some major doubts as to whether any single company can create enough ‘best of breed’ applications to provide a unified offering that fits my needs, as most ‘web OS’ seem to be attempting, but I’m always excited to see what they come up with
Still…. Looking at the Technology page on the Xcerion website makes me curious enough to sign up for the beta
Hi Bob,
You said: “Although the appearance of new ‘web OS’ companies is encouraging and promising, there’s still a lot left to be desired in terms of performance and capabilities.”
I’m with you.
As a matter of fact just try to find an ASP these days and it will speak volumes to that business model, I suspect for very similar reasons.
Like most, I want to believe that there is a place in the future for lightweight applications that are good enough for students and small business to use. Unfortunately, the business magnates already in power are using the advantage of compatibility to stifle progress.
Thanks for the comment. Let us know if iCloud changes your opinion.
=)
Zen… thanks a lot…soon very soon… am going to need just that.
Thank you… Thank you… for the cloud.,
PS - Anybody want to buy a slightly used Wyse terminal?
Hey Zen??
I went into cloud… This is what they send me>
Beta accounts will be opened in a stepwise manner to assure your user experience. We’ll inform you as soon as your account has been activated.
Sort of . DON’T CALL US! We call you!…lol
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Zen how long does it takes?
ZEN… am fist…in the world of icloud…!!!! fist..lol..lol
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“You made it! Thanks for signing up to the free icloud / Xcerion cloud computing Internet service. Soon you will be in the cloud!
This is your invitation to participate in icloud’s Developer Beta program. You are one of the first in the world to get access to icloud. “
Congrats Del!
And!
Thank-you icloud for making Internet Explorer useful for something again!
=)
“Unfortunately, the business magnates already in power are using the advantage of compatibility to stifle progress. ”
That policy usually fails as there will be someone who comes out with a universally compatible alternative.
Get it here icloud.com/wahlgren
Welcome Peter.
I know several of us have registered and are using icloud.
Kudos to you and your team!
We’ll keep spreading the word.
Sounds great, let me (or anyone else in xcerion, for that matter) know if there is anything we should approve to make the product better. Look me up in icloud, user alias “peter”, and I’ll be happy to answer any questions
This icloud is awesome. Does anyone know how much virtual space we get in the beta? How much stuff can we upload?
I found this on the Web.
“For now, individual users get 500MB of free storage from Xcerion.”
It’s pretty neat. The concept is awesome. I learned that using the log off button is a good idea if you want to keep your settings. 500mb sucks big time. Any news on that? I like that it looks just like an OS if you full screen IE = F11.
I cannot resist to comment on Chris there… It’s 5Gb not 500Mb, It’s close to what you can store on a writable DVD. I have to register soon if I keep on commenting stuff here
Is it 5 GB? I copied that quote directly from CNET. I tried to upload a 700mb file 3 times and Cloud would not let me.
I see what you mean.. There is a limit to the file size… I think it’s 10Mb at the moment. The limit is in the upload processing code and not on the overall file qouta. We still haven’t decided on the appropriate size of the files. We want to enable sharing but are a bit careful on the legal aspects of the issue. I’m not really the spokesperson for Xcerion about the issue but I know that we are currently adding lots of features to enable sharing to individuals and groups.
Geez Chris 700MB??
HAHA!… what the heck are you trying to do in the cloud bud?
I want to use it for storing all of my school shit so I can access my files anywhere. I was trying to download the whole folder.