I think the collaboration concept has to be the true value of cloud, it provides enterprise data sharing that go beyond most current personal cloud uses.

I have yet to implement anything that leverages this but all of the key people in our company have RDP enabled as this seems to be the most efficient solution to access to both applications and data from almost any enabled PC or MAC. We work on the concept the Desktop as server and remote devices need nothing but a solid i-net connection to access everything except extreme graphics driven apps.

A further benefit being that we have many applications that are licensed via the cpu/machine and this allows virtual access to those which might otherwise “require” yet another license. No file syncing issues, no platform issues, only the need of a good connection and NO additional subscription or service fees.

Speaking as a teacher, one other outstanding feature of cloud computing is collaboration and sharing.

I can now have students share their essays and presentations with me while they are writing them, so I get a quick look at early drafts and can comment when it really helps them to improve.

I love it!

From a developer’s (or cloud service provider) perpective, there are several benefits to cloud computing. Especially in browser-based applications, it removes install/uninstall/upgrade complexity and significantly reduces hardware compatibility issues. It also allows for different business models – advertising-supported pages or a monthly service charge. This can lead to a better long-term solution than typical shrink-wrap packages.