Collaborynth

One of the latest buzz phrases being thrown about the IT sector at the moment is Cloud Computing. Essentially this is the traditional client-server architecture writ large. Where once you would use a Word Processor and save to a server on your local network, you're know using a web based word processor and saving to the Application Providors infrastructure.

Working this way can offer a lot of benefits to small businesses, not for profits and even large institutions such as Universities or Governmental departments. Gmail, Googles' ubiquitous web based email service is an excellent example of this type of service provision. Another Google example is the Google Apps set of tools.

Over the last few months we've seen some big migrations from inhouse systems to these "Cloud Applications". Universities across Australia are moving their students email accounts to Gmail, small and large businesses are exploring the "Cloud Storage" space and more. It's a big space to be in.

However, before anyone goes too deep into the joys of Cloud Computing you need to keep one thing in mind. What happens if you can't access your data? If all your emails are stored in Gmail, what happens if someone puts a backhoe through the main telecomms cable in your area? If you are using a "Cloud Storage" service, what happens if the company behind the service suddenly loses up to 50% of their service?

Cloud computing is an exciting area to be in. We provide services which could be called "Cloud Computing" and we're exploring more options in this area for the future, however it is still no excuse to ignore basic system administration  protocols to ensure that a single point of failure doesn't take down your entire business.