Cloud computing can include a variety of things. One thing included in cloud computing is software as a service or SaaS. Saas is “A service provided by a company, group, community, or government that provides a software solution to the system clients. The software may be internal to a business, delivered by other means, or most commonly delivered over the Internet.” (1) Saas can allow for the immediate update of features in the software system. This means that as a software company develops new ideas or concepts for their software these new features can be immediately available as opposed to the traditional software method of waiting for the new software release. Software as service also means that the program does not need to be stored on a device this can allow for a reduction in the size of the device that is running the software, this can pave the way to smaller and smaller devices in the near future. (1)
There are numerous companies that offer cloud computing services, one such company is Sungardas. Sungardus systems offer many features to their clients including; reliability, compliance and security, reduced risk, and deep recovery expertise. There feature give the consumer an advantage over using an internal system by moving the responsibility of managing their system from internally to placing the responsibility in the reliable hands of Sungardas. By shifting this responsibility to Sungaras companies can focus on conducting business rather than the functionality of their systems. This enables firms to increase their efficiency and is likely to reduce costs related to managing systems. (2)
Many companies use cloud computing, this includes Netflix. In April of 2010 Netflix decided that, “the DVD-by-mail company decided that over the next two years, it would move most of its Web technology — customer movie queues, search tools and the like — over to the computer servers of one of its chief rivals, Amazon.com.” This decision allows Netflix executives to focus on expanding its business rather than expanding its servers. (3)
RehabCare, founded in 1982 has put cloud computing to use. “It's now running its own custom-built software on the iPod Touch, which it delivers through Apple's App Store. It syncs data using servers and software provided by a third-party vendor, Casamba, with which it co-developed the software.”(4) The software keeps track of treatment and billing information as well as appointments. The software has helped the company stay organized by centralizing its information and allowing remote access. Rehab care also uses a cloud based email system. (4)
Another company utilizing cloud technology is Intercontinental Hotels Group. “InterContinental Hotels Group, with more than 600,000 hotel rooms under seven brands, including Holiday Inn and InterContinental, laid the foundation in 2010 for greater use of software as a service, infrastructure as a service, and, ultimately, hybrid cloud computing that blends an in-house cloud data center with public cloud services from providers such as Amazon.”(4) Although the use of the cloud has not yet save the company money management believes that in the future it will.
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