Most common definitions that I see involve using- or renting space-on computer servers owned by someone else with access to those servers through web applications. A web application is just software that runs from a server rather than from a desktop. For example, word processing is normally associated a program installed on a computer, e.g. Microsoft Office for Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, etc.
With powerful applications running in the Cloud, we can now do most of the things that, for example MS Office, does but using a web browser. Google Docs is one example of a web-based suite of productivity software. Adobe has Acrobat.com has Buzzword.
A specific computer used to be the center of the work life. It had contacts, files, and programs that let us be productive. But it also tethered us to a location and put us at the mercy of that particular machine.
Cloud Apps have changed all that and are now powerful enough to get work done from any computer so your computer is a preference and not a necessity. And the Cloud syncs data between machines so your stuff is always here, there, and anywhere you may need it.
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Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to collect information by emailing or embedding a form in your web site? And have the result automatically entered into a spreadsheet and receive an email notification upon each entry?That is exactly what anyone can do with Google Docs.
In this post I’m getting a little ahead of myself as I planned to discuss intranet management in Step 5 of the Paperless Express- Leverage the Web. However, the idea presented itself.
Clicking on a link in a Tweet (@SocialRainmaker) I arrived at the Lexis Hub on a post titled “New Associate Training” and found a PowerPoint presentation. I downloaded it and looked it over. It had attractive slides, and good advice for new associates at big law firms.
However, downloading a file and then relying on a machine’s local software is perhaps not as convenient for the viewer or reliable for the author as it could be. These days we have more options and so I put together a quick presentation to show you another way it could be handled.
I created the presentation below, and is running through, Google Docs. Google Docs comes with a Google account and is also bundled with Google Apps, a suite of services used to build intranets for companies and designed to be run by the tech not so savvy. Google Apps is part of the SaaS (Software as a Service) or “cloud computing“ movement now underway.
A specially designed and configured PDF to allow you to email and upload multiple files all at once using the free Adobe Reader. (Video and Free Download)
Another specially designed and configured PDF that allows you to track and organize your time easily. (Video and Free Download)
My take on how lawyers should use social media sites and what the whole Web 2.0 thing is all about. (Blog Entry)
Wouldn't it be cool to be able make your own forms to collect information online and by mail? You be surprised how easy it is for anyone to do. (Blog Entry with Video and Demo Form Embedded)
Wondering what the Cloud computing thing is all about? The Cloud Compting page has an embedded scrolling presentation that reviews the concept and a few popular services.
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All the Computer Demo Videos
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