Showing posts with label things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things. Show all posts
Friday, March 17, 2017
Dont Worry This Cloud Keeps Things Sunny
Dont Worry This Cloud Keeps Things Sunny
Straight Forward Analysis of Account Software in the Cloud
After watching Apples presentation of the iCloud services, I found myself marveling at the progression of a system I learned about in a computer science class. Cloud computing has moved from a distant IT concept to the newest addition to Apple’s ubiquitous ‘i’ brand.
Cloud technology refers to storing data, software and resources on remote servers which are then accessed as needed and it has been making waves in the business world for longer than you might think. Businesses are starting to realize en masse that ignoring the potentials of this phenomenon can prove costly.
Though new to the consumer market, IT professionals have been throwing around the buzzword of cloud computing for years. The idea is nearly 50 years old, though only recently picking up speed for commercial enterprises.
Following the example set by 80% of Fortune 500 companies, some companies have been flocking toward the technology while others lag behind. Within the tech industry, 53% of firms are actively using the cloud while 32% of the manufacturing industry has made the switch.
A Business Force
The cloud is a resource which produces results, as evidenced by a 2010 study showing that 7 out of 10 cloud computing users will move even more applications to the cloud within a year. Obviously, firms are benefitting enough from the cloud that more and more processes are being entrusted to it. As we show increased reliance on the cloud, businesses are creating a strategic force which influences decisions across the spectrum of industries. But what are the main aspects of the cloud which cause it to be such a player in strategies and decision making?
It can be broken down into the areas of:
- Accessibility & Standardization
- Efficient Data & Information Retrieval
- Cutting Costs
Prior to the cloud, employees were limited to retrieving information only when on-site or through a request to those who had control of the data. Under a cloud system, employees can use their credentials to access information through any internet connected device.
Furthermore, workers can rely on this information to be uniform throughout the company and updated in real time. This has allowed for large increases in collaboration, especially in teamwork-heavy industries such as finance and accounting.
Efficient Data & Information Retrieval--Made Possible By Virtualization
In order for collaboration to be effective it must be real time. Beyond just having freer access to information, the cloud offers instant delivery and synchronization-breaking down the barriers of time delays and requisition responsibilities. Normally, dealing with data delivery or fact finding might have constituted 15 to 30% of an employee’s time.
With all of the pertinent information stored remotely, searching for and retrieving resources becomes the task of one as opposed to many. This is only possible through the process of virtualization. Essentially, physical information such as invoices or orders are converted to the digital medium and then stored on the cloud.
Cutting Costs (and Raising Revenues)
The true power of cloud technology comes to the forefront when looking at one area in particular: saving money. Primarily, the costs of maintaining on-site servers and data storage continue to rise as a company grows. Contracting these costs out lowers overhead and space requirements. Beyond physical savings, using the cloud for licenses for tools such as Microsoft Office or Exchange can save big-just under $2M in one case.
The cloud can raise money too. Think about it; with the cloud, employees are spending less time dealing with information delays and are given more time to get the job done. Faster turnaround means more time available for new clients or engagements, all with the same employee levels.
Go Cloud or Go Home
It is hard to deny the power of doing business in the cloud. Sure, there are some legal issues that can arise when dealing with the cloud on a global scale (namely information protection laws).
However when taking a holistic view of what this tech can offer your business and considering the future, where nearly all software is run through the cloud, ignoring the potentials of cloud computing is foolhardy. If any business wants to stay on the cutting edge of productivity, efficiency and cost cutting methods, look no further than the cloud.
Author: John Baxley
School of Business Management
Whitworth University
Available link for download
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Google Science Fair 2016 howcanwe make things better with science
Google Science Fair 2016 howcanwe make things better with science
The 2016 Google Science Fair opens for submissions today. Together with LEGO Education, National Geographic, Scientific American and Virgin Galactic, we’re inviting all young explorers and innovators to make something better through science and engineering. To learn more about the competition, how to enter, prize details and more, visit the site, and follow along on Google+ and Twitter.
In this post, 2015 Grand Prize winner, Olivia Hallisey, joins us to reflect back on her own experience with Google Science Fair. -Ed.
I had always been curious and interested in science, and knew I wanted to submit a project, but didn’t really know exactly where to begin. I asked my teacher for his advice on selecting a research topic. He encouraged me to choose something that I felt passionate about, or something that outraged me, and told me to look at the world around me for inspiration. So I did. At that time, the Ebola crisis was all over the news. It was a devastating situation and I wanted to help be a part of the solution. I had found my project.
With the outbreak spreading so quickly, I decided that I wanted to find a way to diagnose the virus earlier so that treatment could be delivered as quickly as possible to those who were affected. I read online about silk’s amazing storage and stabilizing properties, and wondered if I could use silk to transport antibodies that could test for the virus. After many failed attempts (and cutting up lots of cocoons) I finally succeeded in creating a temperature-independent, portable, and inexpensive diagnostic test that could detect the Ebola virus in under 30 minutes. I was really excited that my research could help contribute to saving lives, and I was proud to be selected as the Grand Prize winner a few months later.
As the 2016 Google Science Fair launches today, I wanted to share a few tips from my own experience: First, as my teacher once guided me to do, look at the world around you for ideas. If you’re stuck, try the Make Better Generator to find something that excites or inspires you. Second, find a mentor who’s interested in the same things as you. There are a lot of helpful ideas on the GSF site to get you started. And finally, don’t get discouraged—often what first appears like failure can teach you so much more.
I urge other teenagers like me to take this opportunity to find a way to make the world around them better. Every one of us, no matter our age or background, can make a difference—and as young people, we’re not always so afraid to try things that adults think will fail. But change doesn’t happen overnight, and it often starts with a question. So look at the world around you and challenge yourself to make something better.
Science isn’t just a subject—it’s a way to make things better. So I hope you’ll join the conversation and enter the Google Science Fair this year. Our world is waiting to see what you come up with!
Available link for download
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