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Web designers already rely heavily on the latest apps and must be up to date with the most recent technology.
Cloud computing systems are now a major part of this framework, whether you’re working on an independent blog or a complex ecommerce site for a major corporation. There are a number of cloud service applications, including software as a service or SaaS, but no matter what type of cloud computing service you access it’s bound to have a few defining characteristics.
Features of a telco cloud service
Telecommunication companies like Nokia Networks are stepping up to the plate to offer a range of telco cloud services, so as a web designer it’s important to know what features to look for. Rather than simply paying for voice or data services, cloud computing could now be part of the package to give you more tools to work with. Cloud services typically are available on demand, so that you can access them wherever, or whenever, you like, from any device. Users are able to access cloud services from laptops, smartphones, tablets, or regular PC devices. Like design apps, this allows you to work on projects on the go. When working on websites that require a high level of bandwidth, processing, and storage, cloud services can be ideal because they can pool resources and expand or reduce the resources as needed to best meet user needs.
For web designers and developers specifically, this means that you can have access to an array of data, hosted applications, and cloud-based services, for a wider range of tools at your disposal. You can access applications through many computers, rather than just ones on your server. Developers can look at projects on a global scale, with new website functions allowed due to the broad applications of the cloud. Updates to your design can be implemented on a wider scale with faster results, due to the array of applications in the cloud.
Simple programs like Google App Engine and Amazon Web Services can be used to host web apps in the cloud, so that you don’t need to worry about hosting it on your own servers. In the case of Google App Engine, the program automatically scales to suit the needs of your app, whether it’s used by a handful or millions. Amazon’s services include content delivery and storage, ecommerce, and networking systems among others. And the major telecom companies are jumping onboard as well to offer new, even more convenient systems in the near future.
Risks to be aware of
Like any other type of computing service, accessing the telco cloud isn’t necessarily fool proof. Network outages still occur, and there are potential security risks. To mitigate these risks as a designer, you can choose the closest physical location for storage, avoid peak times of use, and acquire the diagnostic tools and apps that will help identify security threats.
The bottom line is that cloud computing is a trend that isn’t going anywhere, so as a web designer or developer it’s vital to stay aware of what the latest telco cloud services are and how they can help you with your business. If you use an iPad or other current device, you probably already rely heavily on cloud-based apps in your line of work. Just be aware of both the benefits and risks to increase performance and make cloud computing work for you.
UI/UX Consultant, Photoshop, XD, SketchApp, Product Designer, Website Designer, Mobile App Designer, Expert WordPress Developer. For web/mobile design and wordpress development related projects please contact me at dibakar@themepurpose.com
