"Cloud Computing explained"

We have found "Cloud Computing" to receive mention with increasing frequency. This article represents an easy explanation. Althought it's likely to change, and have ten alternative interpretations.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090326/tc_nm/us_column_clouds

Excellent Article on the Status of Software as a Service

This Computerworld article does a terrific job of illustrating how Software As a Service ("SAAS") is not just CRM and HR any longer, but also ERP, BI, Supply Chain, data cleansing, contract management, marketing automation, etc.

In fact, 64% of the companies in their survey use some form of SAAS now, with the majority of the remaining 36% having plans to implement SAAS.

SAAS is now considered a means to gain strategic advantage, not just improve internal productivity.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Software&articleId=334178&taxonomyId=18&pageNumber=2

As a business owner, recruiter, cyclist, and member of my local community, I speak with several hundred people per month.

 

What becomes evident is how many of us are hard working, intelligent, spirited, creative, and honest professionals who want to:

 

·      Add value to their clients, employees, employers, families, and community

·      EARN money without taking short cuts

·      Spend money on employees, family, vacations, health, books, golf, music, food, dining, theatre, hunting, fishing, cooking, charity, religious institutions, personal growth, and several other worthwhile endeavors

·      Invest in certificates of deposit, bonds, securities, property, technology, mutual funds, 401k, and educational funds

 

Our collective honesty, intelligence, goal orientation, and work ethic cannot be understated.

 

If this is a reflection of our general US population, I can't help but to think things WILL improve.

 

Xtra Effort is doing its part, including investing its money and energies in client and candidate communication, client dinners, productivity tools, web and in-person meetings, best practice surveys, etc. Our personal lives include modest vacations, electronics, bicycle service, dinners, home improvement, raising and spoiling children (although mine would disagree) and grandchildren etc.

 

I sense you are doing your part as well. As 21 century citizens at least the consumerism part comes easy :)

 

I was not around in 1929, nor was I Europe in 1945, but the photos and videos looked really scary. But somehow many pockets of these regions and cultures began to prosper within just several months from their worst periods. It did not start without a little faith in each other, a smile, and a positive step forward.

 

Perhaps I am naive, and I am certainly not the best read or informed, but I am suggesting we try to see these qualities in yourselves and your coworkers, employees, leaders, friends, and family members.  I bet it will make you smile; and further your investment in people, silly stuff, and important corporate and personal growth vehicles ...

"What comes around, goes around".

 

Many of us can only remotely influence our Fortune 500 boards and government leaders on the the short term, but LET'S NOT WAIT FOR THEM. Instead, let's believe in one another. Spring is here!