Cloud, Cloud, Cloud

The cloud, like most of my predications for 2011, has been around for a while but I believe this is the year that it really does come into its own. Essentially cloud computing is about using virtual servers to manage your information, rather than having it all on a specific desktop or on your localised network. With the cloud you should be able to log on anywhere in the world and have access to everything you need.

The cloud, and network of servers and services that comprise it, is now so sophisticated that whole businesses can be managed online – from accounts to contact management, from document storage to collaborative projects. The ability to have access to all our documents, presentations, spreadsheets, emails and photos from anywhere in the world will change work environments radically by allowing more people to work virtually.

Email providers are leading the way with virtual tools. Gmail allows you to have 7540 MB of data in your inbox. This is a phenomenal amount of space and dare I say, far too much for the ordinary punter just trying to send a few emails. Google does not expect everyone to fill up the 7540 of data in their inbox but they are working to ensure that their capacity is built up. Using Google and its products such as Google Docs, Calendar and Gmail already gives an individual the opportunity to facilitate their own cloud.

For B2B companies there is great opportunity. As the services become smarter and more integrated, working anywhere becomes a reality. All you need is access to the web and a place to sit. This could seriously cut down on tangible costs like offices, electric and dare I say phone bills. Additional services like Skype, although not technically part of the cloud, will aid B2B companies in the transition to the virtual. Companies will become more agile and nimble, able to upscale or downscale where and when necessary. In response to this, or perhaps because of this, individuals will be more able to freelance and contract where and when they can.

Aside from being mobile and scalable, the cloud has other big things going for it as far as small businesses go. It is cheap – in fact in many cases, it is free. It is up-to-date – most providers update their software as and when they can. It is quick – lightening quick, to the point that most people will have forgotten their dusty old desktops before they have trudged to their nearest Starbucks to start their day.

The Cloud heralds a whole new age for working. It is beyond Work 2.0, it is more Work 3.0. This new way of working will be incredibly attractive to people across the globe determined to scale down commute time and scale up work-life balance.