We're Hiring!  
Toll Free US & Canada: 1(877) 946-4743   Worldwide: +1(415) 869-7444

Video: Understanding Cloud Computing

Written by on Sep 29th, 2008 | Filed under: Cloud Computing, General, GoGrid, Hosting
5,266 views

Cloud Computing has entered mainstream media…but if you ask people what it is, many can’t really tell you. My job as the Technology Evangelist at GoGrid is to try to help people understand it, whether they be technical or not. We have several channels that we have been trying to communicate what cloud computing is, and each method talks to a different audience. However, I sometimes forget that not everybody is technical or loves technology as much as I do and when I start talking to those people, their eyes glaze over.

Here are some of the current ways we, here at GoGrid, are talking about Cloud Computing:

  • The GoGrid product site – for general product information
  • This GoGrid blog – industry and GoGrid specific topics
  • The GoGrid Wiki – for technical documentation
  • The GoGrid Forums – where GoGrid users can ask questions or post tips
  • NoHardware.com – showing Cloud Computing in a different light

Well, a few months ago, we realized that we needed something even simpler and more understandable, generalized enough for anyone to understand. What Tim (GoGrid UI Designer) and I came up with is below (also hosted on YouTube here):

It truly is hard to boil something this complex down, but someone has to try! Let us know what you think, offer suggestions and give us ideas for the next one. We hope you can share this with others to make the term more understandable and commonplace.

About the author

Michael Sheehan Michael Sheehan is the Technology Evangelist for GoGrid & "Editor in Chief" as well. He handles digital media marketing, online audience development, PR, media relations, content creation and editing as well as a variety of other tasks. He is also an avid social media pundit and technology blogger.

Related posts:

  1. Understanding “Clouded” Computing Terms (revised)
  2. NPR Scrapes the Surface of Cloud Computing, Barely
  3. Presentation: Cloud Computing – Disruptive Innovation & Enabling Technology
  4. Helpful listing of Cloud Computing blogs
  5. GoGrid and RightScale Announce Cloud Computing Partnership

7 Comments Enjoyed this post? Subscribe via RSS. Thanks for visiting!

7 Responses to “Video: Understanding Cloud Computing”

  1. Andre Theus, on September 30th, 2008 at 7:50 pm Said:

    That video is fantastic! Well done guys.

  2. Clive, on October 20th, 2008 at 11:12 am Said:

    Hey Guys,

    Why didn’t you give a shout out to the Common Craft folks who invented the paper format for your video?

    This two person company in Seattle WA, invented the format and it’s a shame you didn’t acknowledge them. Check them out at http:www.commoncraft.com

    :-)

  3. Michael Sheehan, on October 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm Said:

    @ Clive,

    You are right! We should have tipped our hats to Common Craft. Their style provided much inspiration for the video (and was acknowledged in other re-posts of the video in other sources). Common Craft really “broke ground” with their clear communication style. We know their videos well and have shown them to many.

    Thanks,
    Michael

  4. Cloud Computing in Plain English | envirtua.com, on December 8th, 2008 at 10:30 am Said:

    [...] & Michael at GoGrid have created a really nice video explaining cloud computing in the style of Lee [...]

  5. Carlos, on February 4th, 2009 at 12:17 am Said:

    What happens when a virus attacks the cloud server? will it affect other users?

  6. Michael Sheehan, on February 4th, 2009 at 12:24 am Said:

    No, it won't affect other servers outside of your private network. You should, however make all efforts to secure your private network and stay away from harmful software and sites.

    I hope that answers your question.

    - Michael

  7. Carlos, on February 4th, 2009 at 1:15 am Said:

    Yes, it did. Basically your private network doesnt' change.

    Thanks Michael.

Leave a Reply