Cloud computing is a relatively new development, although the fundamental concept is a logical consequence of the evolution of the internet. The idea of ‘Web 2.0’, as it is sometimes known, is that the foundations of the online world are shifting from a network of static websites, each maintained by a single individual or a distinct group and linked with static links, to community-based, collaborative supersites where user contributions are king. Aside from google.com, the most popular sites on the modern internet are Facebook and YouTube. On both sites the content is provided by users, not placed by webmasters.
Interaction is the key feature of cloud computing. Early online tools like email allowed easy dissemination of the reports associated with business execution strategy, but each person received a separate copy. If half a dozen recipients wanted to make changes, they would have to do so one at a time or the edits would be difficult to integrate. Cloud computing allows a draft to be viewed online. It can then be edited there, with the changes to the master document immediately visible by any one of the document owners.
The document need not be downloaded. Word processors, spreadsheeting programs, and even business execution software can be integrated into the cloud and used through an internet connection without ever being downloaded to the user’s computer. Previously, viewers of any particular document or report format (Microsoft Word, PDF, or any number of others) needed to have the right software to open a particular file. Cloud computing removes the need to install any software onto the user’s hard drive. Business execution strategy reports in any format can be viewed and edited online.
There are also benefits for the developers of business execution software. Once any program is installed on a computer it’s difficult to control licensing issues and updates. If the program stays in the cloud, controlling and updating it is very simple.