subject: Cloud Computing And Web Applications [print this page] The main consequence of the Web 2.0 paradigm is cloud computing and Web application development.
If you play online games, view videos in YouTube, you have a Hotmail or Gmail, using Google Maps or use Twitter, and then you know the world of cloud computing and Web applications.
The cloud computing allows you to use computer services through the Internet, leveraging the power of the servers that offer these services. For example, Gmail offers a mail service, without having to install any email software. To access the your service only needs an internet connection and a web browser.
Web applications are software programs that run through the web. In the example of Gmail, the web application is software that operates on Google's servers so you can receive mail service. No need to download the software to your computer, simply access it through your browser.
Benefits of cloud computing and web applications
The main advantages of using cloud computing and web applications are:
You can access your data from anywhere. You do not even need to use your computer to access your information as you can do it from any internet connected computer.
You always have the latest version of the software. The web application updates are immediately implemented on servers from where they are. Therefore, no need to update the software or worry about whether you have the latest version.
The service works the same for any operating system. No matter if you access Web applications from a Windows PC, a PC with Linux or Mac, the service will always work the same way.
No need to download the software on your computer. Therefore, save hard disk space, consume less CPU resources and your computer is less susceptible to viruses and other threats.
Disadvantages of cloud computing and web applications
Like everything in life, cloud computing and Web applications also have a downside. The main risks that this model offers computing services lies in the security and privacy of information.
By not storing the data on your own computer, but on the server of a company, you may expose violations of privacy in access to and use of your information. In addition, server computer vulnerabilities can make you lose all the information you have in the cloud.
And of course, only you can access your data while you have internet access. If the connection is cut for any reason, will not have access to your information.
Even with these potential drawbacks, the cloud computing and web applications are gaining more ground each time. Companies offering these services look for ways to maximize benefits and reduce the disadvantages.
