Online education portals like Udacity and Coursera are really changing the world of remote learning in significant ways. By making free and high quality education accessible to a global audience, these platforms are opening up undreamt of possibilities for communities around the world to improve, grow, and prosper in the digital economy of the 21st century. Education at top tier colleges and universities has traditionally been a social and economic privilege, but now anyone can join in the learning revolution by sitting in virtual classrooms with the world’s best and brightest educators. Whether this involves learning how to code and build smart phone apps, or starting up a new business, or learning about public health literacy, the sky is the limit of what’s now possible.

Everything about Web and Network Monitoring

Your Thoughts on Cloud Security

by | Oct 08, 2009

Let me ask you: Whether you’re already computing on the cloud or just thinking about making the change, are you worried about the security of data stored online – versus internally in your own systems? I encourage you to comment and respond because this seems to be a major sticking point among businesses when they talk about the cloud.

I’ve heard all kinds of concerns – from the impact of the Patriot Act (which allows the U.S. government to demand details of your online activity and not inform you about it), to a perceived increased threat from hackers via a cloud’s multiple entry points.

Yet, despite doubts, cloud business keeps building. I read a recent newspaper article that cited a figure from research firm IDC noting cloud computing generated $16.2 billion in sales last year. IDC expects growth to $42.3 billion by 2012. Obviously, companies are becoming more confident about moving data from internal systems to the cloud

According to a recent article, a two-day cloud computing conference at Iowa State University in late September attracted technology experts from some of Iowa’s largest businesses, including Principal Financial Group, Hy-Vee Food Stores, John Deere and Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Why Iowa? That’s where Google built a huge data farm in Council Bluffs, and it’s also where IBM moved a technology center to Dubuque. And, in West Des Moines, Microsoft had been planning a data center, but put the project on hold due to the recession.

“For many businesses the question is not if but when to move technology out of the back room and onto a cloud,” said the article, paraphrasing James Oliver, head of ISU’s virtual reality center.

But this question of data security is one that will not go away, and, with recent stories about Google and Virgin outages, reliable access is also something folks are concerned about.

So seriously, I’d like to know what your trust level is of data on the cloud. Are you already on the cloud and is this an issue or not? If thinking of transferring business data and apps on the cloud, are you concerned, and how have potential providers helped address your fears?

Post Tagged with

Category: Articles | Tagged No Comments.

Hovhannes Avoyan

About Hovhannes Avoyan

Paid Monitor CEO – Hovhannes is an international entrepreneur with a recognized and respected reputation in the high tech industry. His technical expertise, combined with his drive to build the best business/product, has positioned him as a visionary international extension of Silicon Valley.

Comments are closed.