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You may not have realized it, but if you’re using Google Docs, Facebook, PayPal, Hotmail or Flickr, you’re already “in the cloud.”  In his article "Cloud Computing for the Masses: Internet-Based Applications and Storage Are Taking Over” Greg Cruey clarifies the idea of cloud computing:  “The concept of cloud computing is one of a user sitting at a terminal taking advantage of services, storage space, and resources provided somewhere else - on another computer, through an Internet connection.”  So when you store that word processing document in Google Docs or access your email in Hotmail, use PayPal to purchase something online, or access your medical records to make a doctor’s appointment online, you’re using cloud computing.

The biggest advantage of cloud computing is being able to access your data anywhere, anytime, with only a connection to the Internet.  No more panic attacks because you left your budget spreadsheet on the desktop at home – just log into your cloud application of choice (i.e. Google Docs or Zoho) from wherever you are.  Another bonus, as noted in a recent post by Doug Johnson, author of the Blue Skunk Blog, on his plan to move to cloud-based computing, would be the lessened personal cost if your computer were damaged or stolen.  If your applications and data are nearly all cloud-based, a computer crash or other catastrophe wouldn’t be quite as serious as if everything were on the physical machine.  A post on the popular Tame the Web blog talks about the advantages of cloud computing and ways libraries could be using the cloud.

Of course the concept is still new and as with any new technology there are concerns.  Users question the security and privacy of their data, and there is always the problem of a provider going out of business.  But just like when your favorite local coffee shop closes, there are many others ready to serve you.  And of course, you should never rely solely on the cloud for storing your data.  External hard drives and flash drives have become so affordable that there is no excuse for not backing up your data in case disaster strikes.