Cloud computing allows users to access shared computing resources over the Internet. It provides hardware, software, storage and services to users on demand. The document discusses several cloud applications including Google Apps (Gmail, Docs), Dropbox, Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack, Campfire, Evernote, Xero, PayCycle, WorkflowMax, Logmein, Carbonite and Springpad that provide file sharing, project management, contact management, personal information management, online accounting, payroll services, time tracking, remote access, online backup and idea saving capabilities to users through the cloud.

1. Cloud Computing Application
Cloud computing is internet-based computing, whereby shared
resources, software, and information are provided to computers and
other devices on demand
Cloud computing is the next stage in the Internet's evolution, providing the
means through which everything — from computing power to computing
infrastructure, applications, business processes to personal collaboration —
can be delivered to you as a service wherever and whenever you need.
The “cloud” in cloud computing can be defined as the set of hardware,
networks, storage, services, and interfaces that combine to deliver aspects of
computing as a service. Cloud services include the delivery of software,
infrastructure, and storage over the Internet (either as separate components
or a complete platform) based on user demand Cloud computing has four
essential characteristics: elasticity and the ability to scale up and down, selfservice provisioning and automatic deprovisioning, application programming
interfaces (APIs), billing and metering of service usage in a pay-as-you-go
model.
Platforms like You Tube, Vimeo, Flickr, Slideshare and Skype can
reasonably be included in a list of cloud applications – platforms that hold
your data (images, video, presentations, voice) and look after it all so you
don’t have to worry about them.
Google is the major player, with their compilation of cloud platforms known
as Google Apps. Google Apps as “a service from Google providing
independently customizable versions of several Google products under a
custom domain name. It features several web applications with similar
functionality to traditional office suites, including: Gmail, Google Groups,
Google Calendar, Talk, Docs and Sites.” But, just because they are a major
player, doesn’t mean Google has a monopoly on the cloud as you will see
below. But let’s start with the Google Apps and the one that is probably the
best known, Gmail.
Gmail
Gmail is a free, advertising-supported (email) serviced provided by
Google. Gmail was launched as an invitation-only beta-release on April 1,
2004 and it became available to the general public on February 7, 2007,
though still in beta status at the time. As of June 2012, it had 425 million
users.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a web-based file hosting service … which uses cloud
computing to enable users to store and share files and folders with
others across the internet using file synchronization. There are both
free and paid services, each with varying options.
Basecamp
Basecamp is a web-based project management tool launched in
2004. Basecamp primary features are to-do lists, milestone
management, forum-like messaging, file sharing, and time tracking.

2. Highrise
Highrise is a ‘shared contact management’ web application
which supports basic CRM tasks. The application centers around
person and company pages, which collate information such as images,
notes, and contact detail.
Backpack
Backpack is a web-based personal information manager and
intranet for small business. The application has two main functions:
user-created pages (which can include text, images and files) and an
iCalendar format calendar. Features of the user-created pages include
to-do lists, inline photo galleries, and notes and file attachments, and
page sharing.
Campfire
Campfire is a business-oriented online chat service. The
application uses Ajax technology for real time communication. To use
the application, users must either create a new chat room or be
invited to one. Unless a chat room is specifically chosen to be “off the
record”, browsable transcripts of chats and uploaded files are stored
for future reference
Evernote
Evernote is a suite of software and services designed for
notetaking and archiving available in a paid version or a more
restricted, advertising-supported, ‘free’ version. A ‘note’ can be a piece
of formattable text, a full webpage or webpage excerpt, a photograph,
a voice memo, or a handwritten ‘ink’ note. Notes can also have file
attachments. Notes can then be sorted into folders, tagged, annotated,
edited, given comments, and searched
Xero
Xero is an online accounting software product for small and
medium-sized businesses, as well as personal finance. [It] allows
business owners and their employers, accountants, bookkeepers and
other financial advisors access to up-to-date financial records in realtime with the only system requirement being a suitably-configured
internet browser.
PayCycle
PayCycle Inc. is an online payroll service started in 1999 by
Rene Lacerte and Martin Gates. [It] was the first company to introduce
a completely internet-based payroll service
WorkFlowMax
WorkflowMax allows you and your staff to track time, manage
jobs, create quotes, purchase orders and invoices. Using the advanced
reporting, measure how productive your team is, whether you’re on
schedule and more importantly how much money you are making on
each job

3. Logmein
LogMeIn is a suite of software services that provides remote
access to computers over the internet. The various product versions
are designed for both end users and professional help desk personnel.
Carbonite
Carbonite is an online backup service available to both Windows
and Mac users that provides unlimited backup space to consumers
and small businesses. It is named after carbonite, the fictional
substance used to freeze Han Solo in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes
Back.
Springpad
Quickly and easily save ideas and information you want to
remember. Springpad automatically categorizes your stuff and
enhances it with useful links. Share your stuff, set reminders and get
alerts to relevant news, offers and deals. - Springpad Website.