Cloud computing has been the byword for different businesses today. This is a type of process that relies o the internet or online connectivity for different data processing instead of using the local gadget. The internet has come a long way of providing different types of services to users.
Years ago, the internet is just used merely for information gathering and email. Today, the internet could become a host of different types of applications which will not require any local installation in the users end.
Cloud computing promises portability as users would just have to need a strong internet connection to ensure the process is done. Cloud computing could even emulate the desktop experience.
Cloud computing is usually focused on the enterprise. As businesses today require more collaboration in real time without any geographical consideration, cloud computing became a viable option as this will provide real time interaction in business process. It offers the portability to different users without having to constantly require the local gadget for certain installations.
Considering Web 2.0
The term “Web 2.0” on the other hand, have been used for many years long before cloud computing became popular in the software development industry. But instead of defining Web 2.0 about the components it requires, Web 2.0 is more about the interaction the user will receive.
In Web 2.0, the focus of different online applications is the user wherein they are given the freedom to connect and make some changes on their online environment. Web 2.0 is more about the interaction between users.
Classic examples of Web 2.0 are the different online social networking websites. Users of these websites will be able to connect to one another while trying to make some changes in their online environment depending on their preferences.
Although Web 2.0 will still require hardware support, its focus is more on the actual interaction of the online application with the user. The application seen in different Web 2.0 websites are always geared towards the user’s need to do something about their experience online.
Confusion on Cloud Computing and Web 2.0
Based on the previous definitions on cloud computing and Web 2.0, it’s no wonder that confusion over the right term exists. An application could be called an application for Web 2.0 but could never be called an application fit for cloud computing.
On the other hand, an application could be regarded as an application with cloud computing and a Web 2.0 application at the same time. The reason application could become an application for cloud computing and Web 2.0 is in its purpose and building philosophy.
Cloud computing is built with the intention of developing an online application that could be supported anytime, anywhere with enough security for its users. The application built with cloud computing could be almost anything – including Web 2.0 websites.
There is also an idea that cloud computing is the next step for Web 2.0. This idea could be right. After all, Web 2.0 is just based on the actual experience of the user online while cloud computing takes it a bit further by making everything – including the user experience, online. But that doesn’t mean that the term Web 2.0 will be gone in a few years time. The term still designates the actual user experience and the term might forever stay.
Common Problem: Security
But even though with the confusion on terms and how the application will be tagged eventually, the problem the applications from cloud computing and Web 2.0 is the same: security.
The challenge for Web 2.0 in terms of security is from the fact that the online application is not only based on what the user would experience but others as well. Anyone could easily interact with one another with or without any permission. Because of the Web 2.0’s openness to everyone, anyone could initiate an attack to the user or even the application itself.
The security problem in cloud computing is based on the fact that the application will not be launched in a local network but online. That means they are open to anyone who have an idea about the application. Without security measures, cloud computing application is a sitting duck for hackers.
Cloud computing or Web 2.0, developers have to make sure that they build a secured website for their users.
