By the Numbers
Cloud Computing
By Juan Cocuy, CPA
I am deviating a bit from my usual discussion about tax issues or planning tips to get into technology. Our firm helps many of our clients with the selection of their tech tools such as what networks they should buy, what software, etc. Lately, it has gotten harder and harder because the choices are so vast and so confusing and change every day.
We have recently seen the evolution of “Cloud Computing” which is a concept that you do not have to own expensive hardware, servers, etc., because you can “house” your programs and data at remote locations. So, as the commercial says, “you just go to the cloud.” This appears to be the direction business computing is heading and more and more companies, large and small, are looking at this as a way to save on costs, improve efficiency and prevent disastrous loss of data. The idea is that you don’t have to buy a new server every few years, you don’t have to pay for software updates, and you don’t have to worry about back-ups because those are done automatically from a remote location. The major providers of these services are Google, IBM and Microsoft.
I am also amazed with technology that allows you to wirelessly do just about anything you want wirelessly and remotely. I recently changed my security system in my home and the technician that did the installation had his iPad with him. At the end, he showed me the invoice, had me approve it, charged my credit card using a card swiper attachment and emailed everything to me in a couple of minutes. And this is a small company, not one of those national firms.
Just yesterday, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple presented their new software innovations. The most important part of the demonstration was the new online-only music and more locker called the iCloud. Their new operating system called Lion will only be available via their App Store and, for the first time ever, a software upgrade of an operating system will not be available in a CD format. The jist of the iCloud is that you will be able to sync all your devices, including calendar and contact information, wirelessly. Don’t ask me how; it is beyond what my little brain can comprehend.
The bottom line is data, media, communication and entertainment will be soon moving so fast that your head will spin. The frustrating part is that you may think you are on the cutting edge with your new device, computer or TV, and in a matter of a few days, you are way behind. My prediction is that soon, they will implant a chip in your brain that will allow you to download and play music, games, and movies, browse the internet, make purchases, check your emails all within your own head. So literally, our heads will be in the Cloud. SCARY!!
Juan Cocuy CPA
About Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. Located at 12400A South Shore Boulevard, Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. is the only full-service CPA firm in the western communities. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide a full menu of services to the professionals and businesses in our area including tax compliance and planning, auditing and consulting. We can be reached at 561-793-1927 or by visiting www.cocuyburns.com.