In web parlance, cloud computing is alternatively known as ‘Cloud’. It enables to bring an amazing synthesis of web browsers, internet and rich web applications. It is forecasted that this technology is going to set new standards in the realm of web hosting. Currently the numbers of users using this service is approximately 1.6 billion worldwide. With its cutting-edge characteristics, it is really proving to be a revolutionary concept and is changing the entire perception of computer usage. It is noteworthy that online retail giant, Amazon.com, is marketing for this technology along with many other hosting companies. General web users as well as developers can take the benefit of this trendsetting technology.

The powerful and multifaceted application, Google Apps, has also taken assistance of this technology enabling users to directly edit, create and send online files on the web browser. There are more than 1 million businesses which use Google Apps and the number is ever-increasing. Restricted browser capabilities hamper the optimum utilization of cloud computing services. Only a few technologies like Adobe Flex, Adobe Flash and JavaScript permit cloud applications to run on web browsers. However, these issues are being looked at and more advanced technologies are being developed catering only to cloud computing and web browser applications.

The currently existing cloud computing technology is set to undergo many changes in future. People will not even feel the need to run common computer programs on individual laptops/desktops as all the required applications would be available online on a real time basis. Because of its enormous potential, cloud computing has naturally become a hot topic for discussion. The advocates of this technology cite many associated benefits like scalability, cost-effectiveness and lower on-site intervention. With the aid of this technology access can be given to any computer which has got two primary things, browser and internet connectivity. However, enhanced security features can be certainly introduced according to requirements. The cost involved in procuring latest software upgrades is also considerably reduced as one can get software on rent by paying a certain amount of fees rather than owning the software exclusively.

One thing is for sure and that is, cloud computing is here to stay. The search engine giant Google, utilizes this technique for providing its business application suites. This might give Microsoft Office suite a tough competition in near future. Another very popular application is available from Salesforce.com in the domain of CRM which is catering to many companies worldwide using this technology.