Cloud Computing is definitely "Fluffy Stuff"

noreply@blogger.com (Purepages Group) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Amongst the numerous UK computer and IT sales companies, many of them define cloud computing narrowly as an updated version of utility computing; in general virtual servers available over the Internet running software programmes for clients that previously would have sat on their own server or PC.

That said, however, this definition also largely describes SaaS or Software as a Service – a type of cloud computing which delivers a single application through the browser to thousands of customers using a multitenant architecture. On the positive side for customers it means no upfront investment in servers or software licensing; on the provider side, with just one app to maintain, costs are low compared to conventional hosting. It’s similar to leasing a car rather than buying it outright. There are many examples of well-respected SaaS products in use; 5PM Project Management, Netsuite and are brands amongst many.

Despite these similarities, however, SaaS definitely has the edge over cloud computing up to press. For example, customers with T-Mobile USA recently suffered significant data losses when files stored with the smartphone service and cloud provider, Sidekick, got lost during maintenance. Proponents of cloud computing such as Professor Katzenbeisser of the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany, argue though that it’s not cloud computing at fault but a problem with the way the data is stored. A secure backup means saving data two or three times at different locations, which should be common practice. Anyone who wants to save data online can check with a provider about their practices, suggests Professor Katzenbeisser. But if a third party is subcontracted to do server maintenance, the possibility of mistakes increases.

In general, with a SaaS product, you will know where its’ all being run from, whereas with cloud computing data and programmes could be anywhere in the World. And with companies chasing improved profits it means boxes might be put into low cost centres like China, a country whose Internet rules and copyright laws are dubious at best.

A final consideration worthy of note is that PC hard drives are becoming bigger and cheaper than ever -one terabyte is now not un-common. So maybe a hybrid of some self-storage plus known location SaaS is the best way forward. Leave the ‘fluffy stuff’ to those who can afford to screw up without getting fired!

Linux vs. Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Purepages Group) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:20:00 +0000

In the Purepages Office we predominantly use Windows for two reasons I guess. Firstly it’s what ships on the machines we buy and secondly, like most people, we are reluctant to swap operating systems because we like familiarity and don't like change - we've been brought up on a Microsoft diet!

So why should we move? To be honest there's isn't one single large and compelling reason to start erasing Windows from our hard drives and pick up our preferred Linux distro, Ubuntu 9.10, but there are, however, a number of lesser, but still reasonably important reasons. Number One is security-Linux is virtually virus and trojan free, primarily because Linux is currently only used by between 4-6% depending on who you read, so there's much less of an incentive to hack Linux. Secondly, emotionally, using Linux means you’re ‘buying’ into a community of like-minded spirits, not lining Bill Gates’ pockets. Thirdly we have price, Ubuntu is free, as is much of the software that you need to run everyday office or domestic functions. Open Office costs nothing, whereas a single user licence for Office 2007 is £330! I have yet to be given or sent a file created in any Office 2007 programme that I haven't been able to open correctly in Open Office 3.1.

The savings argument is dependent on your needs though. If you’re a 24/7 professional then maybe the Microsoft route is more traditional and logical. By contrast, my mum only surfs the internet and browses through pictures off her camera - tasks any quality OS will do easily. In my professional capacity as digital manager I need to create a lot of graphics and video content for both ourselves and clients. And on this there is one package that covers all bases - Adobe CS4. I find the Adobe monopoly irritates me no end as there is patently no viable alternative. That said, it’s very easy to use especially when I don't always have time to learn how to use a new programme.

Some people go on about how great GIMP and its other open source variations are, but I personally find GIMP hard to use. I have never been able to get Flash 4 Linux to work (on this subject I am hoping someone will send me a tutorial on how to install it...)

Importantly though, irrespective of what distro you’re running, when you design a website you cannot ignore testing in IE7 or IE8 as IE has such a massive market share. So if you’re running Linux, install Virtual Box and setup XP inside there. I think Virtual Box is truly awesome and recommend it whole heartedly.

Purely Technology

Cloud Computing is definitely "Fluffy Stuff"

Linux vs. Windows