The storage of data has been a central focus of this course. However, some cloud providers have different offerings besides the simple storage of data in some folders. One example of this is Google. The Google drive offers concurrent access to Google Apps in the form of a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. These programs provide the ability to not only store files, but to create them remotely for anytime anywhere access. The SkyDrive/Microsoft Office combination is a similar cloud computing option.

So, what is the difference between cloud storage and cloud computing? In a sentence, it means that the provider is actually manipulating data based on your input. Such data is often in the form of database manipulation. Your assignment is to investigate the following providers and submit a short one paragraph summary of what they do, in your own words. Make sure you have references.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Salesforce.com
Cloud Gaming
Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Google App Engine
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

WIndows Azure
ReadySpace Cloud Services
Network as a Service (NaaS)

VPN, MVNO