There was a time when the cloud was that white or grey thing that got between you and the sun.
Still is, but "The Cloud" represents something much cooler, hipster. 
You're "in the cloud", "using the cloud", accessing your data "from the cloud" whether you know it or not. While the "cloud" may be the current buzz word, it's really just a metaphor for something that has been around for some time now... the Internet!
With the cloud comes "cloud computing", the basic idea is there are a bunch of computers (or "remote servers") around the planet that are all networked together. Your data is stored remotely on these remote servers (not your own hard drive), and you access your data via application software (cloud software, or web based software) from your Internet connected device.
There are huge benefits to cloud computing. Your computer just becomes a disposable device. If it blows up, you spill coffee on it, or it walks out the door that you forgot to lock, well, just get on another computer with Internet access, and you're back in business. Plus, the servers that run web based software are built and managed WAY better than anything you're likely to buy from Office Max... so if you have high speed Internet access and are using a reputable web based software company, you'll enjoy really fast page serving times.
One of our competitors uses the phrase "Build in the Cloud"... which strikes me a bit funny. Construction professionals build "on the ground", and use physical objects like tools and 2x4's to accomplish their goals. Software is just another tool to help get the job done.
In the past, software would be sold in a box, and you would purchase it (one time) and install it on your computer (some of you are too young to know what a floppy drive is!) More recently you would download software and install it on your computer, saving you the box and the thick paper manual that few people ever read.
Since the mid 90's, web based software, "SAAS" (Software as a Service), or as it's called now... "Cloud based software"... it's really just software that runs off our server, not your computer. You never really purchase/own cloud based software... you "rent" it, or subscribe - and it is kept current by the developers. We own the software, you own your data, and have a licence to use our software to access/create/manage your data. When you do online banking, you are connecting through the cloud. Same goes for adding an appointment to your Google calendar. Or logging into BuildIT.
Fortunately, you don't have to fully understand what is happening under the hood, leave that for the geeks and computer nerds. We can just get in the car, and drive. We can leverage companies that do the heavy lifting, making sure software is updated, bugs are fixed, and the latest, fastest software is available each and every time we log on.
As I write this, Sony Pictures computer system has just been hacked, and personal emails and data are flying about the Internet, creating an international crisis and a lot of embarassment for a lot of executives and Hollywood elites. Which brings up an important consideration - TRUST. You are banking on the fact that the software system you subscribe to, and the Company behind it, are reputable, and will be around for a while. You are also assuming that the company has taken great measures to ensure the protection of your data.
BuildIT - 13 years of service to our customers. Not one byte of data lost. A super strong firewall that fends off any attack by unscrupulous hackers. When it comes to cloud based software from BuildIT, you're in good hands.
Forecast - cloudy, with a good chance of success!
Scott Hutchinson
scott@builditsystems.com
1 866 585 5050 ext 1