If you haven't heard the term "cloud computing" yet, you will. Cloud computing is one of the coming changes in how we are going to be able to use the Internet in the very near future. So what is cloud computing? Simply put, it is the ability to access your documents and files from anywhere. Not that this concept is new. You can already jump into this world by using programs such as Gotomypc.com and others.
If you use Google Docs or GMail, you are already cloud computing. Pretty cool to be able to open those docs any where you want. Now, the behemoth Microsoft has aroused and is entering the cloud computing world with their Office 2010 suite. You can download 2010 Beta right now for free. Not sure how long the Beta version will be free, but if you are a long time Office user, it's worth a look.
I decided to try out Office 2010 because Office is where all my work currently exists. Further, I'm one who prefers to keep things as local as possible. If the Internet ever goes down catastrophicaly, I still want to be able to get to my stuff as much as possible. Anyway, here are some of the changes I see coming as I've begun working with Office 2010 and move into the world of cloud computing.
1. Evernote functionality. It appears that Microsoft has learned from all the people developing really cool web apps like Evernote. With Office 2010, you get a Snipping Tool that is basically the same thing as what Evernote does. What's that? Don't know about Evernote? If not, when you finish reading this blog and commenting, go get it! You're missing out! Evernote and Snipping can be accessed from any computer anywhere. This is cloud computing. I can also access Evernote from my Blackberry. Not sure about Snipping yet.
2. Online document access. The new Office suite now allows you to save your docs in such a way that you can access them from any computer anywhere. Once again, Microsoft may be taking their cues from others. In this case, it would be Google Docs. This is really the heart of cloud computing. You can create a document, save it and the access it from anywhere in the world. Think about what that means for us. You can grab those important documents or Powerpoint files from anywhere you happen to be!
3. Access learns from Pat Zagby and others. In Windows XP, I had to download Xobni and Pat Zagby's Respond in order to connect my emails, contacts and database together. Access 2010 has brought the connectedness together. Now, whenever you see an email or contact, you see all the emails from that person. Searching for a contact is very similar to search within Xobni. What? You don't know anything about Xobni? (Inbox backwards). If you use Outlook and don't have Xobni, you're missing out. Go check it out after you check out Evernote.! Accessing your email from your cell phone and any computer anywhere is what cloud computing is all about.
So far, the transition to Office 2010 from Office 2003 has been fairly smooth. If you are an Office user, there is a bit of a learning curve, but it isn't too bad. You'll find your old familiar menus without too much pain. I skipped over Office 2007, so I cannot speak to the differences between that version of Office and this new one.
One thing I can tell you is that cloud computing is going to open up access to your stuff and my stuff. No longer will we be tied to just one computer. We'll be able to access docs and files from anywhere in the world. One other thing I can tell you is that there will probably be a toll road system put in also. We'll have to pay someone, somewhere, somehow. Say hello to Web 2.0!.
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