Just as the invention of email revolutionised communication, reducing the transfer of the written word to a single click, cloud computing is changing the way the world works. A combination of cloud computing and widespread WiFi connectivity is bringing people together – with powerful potential.
This cloud concept isn’t new. If you’ve ever emailed work to yourself, you have been using cloud storage, storing your work on a web server. Cloud storage gives multiple simultaneous users remote access to your data, which may include videos, documents and photographs.
With cloud storage like Dropbox, Microsoft Skydrive or Google Docs, your documents are stored on a different server to your computer. You can access them from any device with an internet connection, anywhere in the world.
Cloud computing takes this one step further, giving you the ability to run software that’s in the cloud. You may be able to access Google Maps from your smartphone for directions to your destination, but that doesn’t mean your phone has the world’s maps stored on it, nor does it have to calculate directions from where you are. This is done by Google.
To put it simply, cloud computing has eliminated restrictions previously imposed on us by our technology. A device no longer has to be capable of carrying out every process you require: these calculations can be passed on to more powerful computers through the UK’s widespread WiFi or 3G.
No longer are we tied to the office computer to finish a project in time: wrap up your to-do list on the train and get back from the office an hour earlier. Skype your relatives overseas or simply play Song Pop against your Facebook friends.
The possibilities are endless, varying from the boredom buster to the revolutionary. Crowdsourcing through open brainstorming sessions has led to scientific and mathematical problems being solved, charity funds skyrocketing and even world-changing political movements.
Unlocking the unlimited potential of the Cloud with WiFi
Anyone with a laptop, netbook, tablet or smartphone with internet access can benefit from cloud computing. While a WiFi connection allows the public access to utilise the cloud computing services they have become dependent on, it in turn also benefits businesses and event organisers.
Coffee shops and restaurants across the UK (including McDonalds and Starbucks) have attributed an increase in revenue to their decisions to offer free WiFi. During the London 2012 Olympic Games 80 tube stations offered WiFi access, further increasing expectancy for connectivity wherever we are.
While we may not be conscious of our dependency on cloud computing, it only takes a moment of no connectivity to realise we have come to expect WiFi and cloud computing anywhere and everywhere.
WiFi is even expected at events like conferences, gigs, festivals and road shows, and event organisers achieve this through temporary connections. This enables guests to collaborate on work and problem solving or promote the event through social media status updates, photos and discussion, and allows any press in attendance to carry out their work.
Cloud computing enables all these things, but it’s important to remember that without a reliable WiFi connection, this advancement in technology is worthless. Businesses and event organisers need to provide this connectivity to give visitors and guests the service they expect.
Guest post contributed by Kadie Dobson on behalf of Noba. Visit the Noba website to find out how a temporary WiFi connection can boost your conference or event, or see their full list of services here.
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