I know on top my head Microsoft Live and Google provides software as a service (SaaS) to the public. I am using Google Applications services for my email, calendar, and sharing documents on the fly. Meaning I can share any documents (word, excel and powerpoint) to any users that has email address which almost everybody has one. They can view or edit the document through their web browser in real-time, no need to save on their workstation. This is perfect to anyone always on the go, not leaving any documents in your home pc for later access.

I haven't use Microsoft Live service, I have no idea how this work (maybe one of our readers will share their experience). So, I will introduce Google Apps to you which I am using since beta release. I'm saving my documents, word, excel and powerpoint presentation using my own email address @KING.NET. Sharing these documents to anyone in the world for review or corrections. I can easily remove permission when we finalized the documents. The email services come with powerful anti-spam and anti-virus tools that will protect your communication to your clients. Your email and attachement you send or received are protected 24x7 every hour, every minute. The online calendar is a plus to have in my Google Apps and best of all, it is a FREE service. You don't have to pay monthly recurring fee to use email. You save costs in your IT overhead. If you still not convince, head out to Google Apps website and read more for details.

Read Outsource your Email here for additional article to read.



What other cloud computing services available today?

Amazon.com - http://ews.amazon.com/s3 or Amazon Simple Storage Service

"Amazon S3 provides a simple web services interface that can be used to store and retrieve any amount of data, at any time, from anywhere on the web. It gives any developer access tot he same highly scalable, reliable, fast, inexpensive data storage infrastructure that Amazon uses to run its own global network of web sites. The service aims to maximize benefits of scale and to pass those benefits on to developers." (2009, Amazon.com)

If you are confuse on how they charge their customers, use the AWS Simply Monthly Calculator to get you an estimate.

Mozy.com offer $4.95 per month unlimited backup for personal and non-commercial use. For business use, you need to use the mozypro service. I also recommend that you check the 2GB of 100% free backup space before you decide if the service is right for you. You don't need your credit card to sign-up.

Joyent.com - Scale on demand. Your web infrastructure can be dynamically expanded or reduced within minutes. Offers open protocols, open source solutions, larget Open Solaris installation in the world. Ideals for PHP, Ruby, Python and Java applications. Real static IP Address, real storage and 10TB monthly data transfer. Starting at $45 per month to run your web applications.

ThePlanet.com just announced this week (March 24, 2009) that they are now offering cloud storage solutions. According to the email I've received from them. They are faster transfer speeds more than twice as fast as Amazon S3 and simplier pricing. They have to emphasize simplier pricing as they probably notice it from Amazon S3. I have problem of understanding the pricing of Amazon S3 cloud computing solutions when I checked their service.

The only truly global cloud, while most cloud storage is based in one or two locations. The Planet gives you the security of global infrastructure minimizing the risks of outages to your business.

If you knew or currently using cloud storage solutions, please share your experience with us. Thank you in advance.