Project Management in the Cloud

Utilizing cloud computing doesn’t always mean relying on web browser based software.  Software giant Adobe released Air, a a cross-platform runtime environment for building rich Internet applications using Adobe Flash, Adobe Flex, HTML, or Ajax, that can be deployed as a desktop application.  The ability to create cross platform applications that can be run on the desktop rather than in a browser, yet utilize the same technologies opens doors for how managers and workers can handle their products.  There are no limits to what can be created with this new technology.

A comprehensive browser vs. desktop matrix shows just how much is on the horizon to utilize the Adobe Integrated Runtime software.  The main attractive feature is that these stand alone applications can run with no Internet connection, then be updated, or have updates sent to the server once a broadband connection has been established again.  For those who travel a lot, this means the ability to manage projects and progress through work while in transit, on planes, trains or anywhere else there is limited to no Internet connection.

Proving once again that the Cloud is here and will make it’s mark, Adobe Air has localized the Cloud to an individual computer and user, with all the benefits and attributes that have become standard for their ‘net based partners.

Tags: Adobe Air, Desktop Applications
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Email was the killer app that changed how computers were used and utilized and ever since then, the next big killer app has been on the cusp of software engineers and developers.  Ironicly, the next killer app doesn’t appear to be one single application at all, rather a new way of approaching, using and utilizing existing applications.

The Wikipedia describes Cloud Computing as

a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet.

The term cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on how the Internet is depicted in computer network diagrams and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals

Real world examples of the cloud in use are applications from Google like Gmail and Google Documents.  Web based email has been around for years, but Gmail brought many features to the table that other email services failed out.  The ability to utilize a chat program, share calendars and events and access files between users is a near replacement for features found in traditional email clients like Outlook.  Furthermore, Google documents is a great, scalable replacement for Microsoft Word and Excel.  For documents that need to be reviewed, edited and shared between multiple authors, utilizing Google documents is a much more efficient way to work over Microsoft Office documents.  It’s also a lot cheaper.  Another example of a successful cloud application is Mint, the online money manager that is giving the software based Quicken a run for their money.

In a nutshell, the goal of the cloud should be to efficiently allow management to deploy scalable jobs to workers without the added cost and overhead of software and their cumbersome updates.  Less money spent on network infrastructure and more productive workers, through web based (or intranet based) solutions.

Tags: Cloud Computing
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Managing and working in the cloud has created a transparent work-flow for so many project managers and workers, but local data is also just as important.  Since most users work locally then share with an online cloud service, keeping that local data secure is as important as ever.  Most of that data doesn’t need to be backed up to an external hard drive though, since that also greatly limits the number of users who can access it.

Working more within the cloud, utilizing online backup solutions can easily give you and coworkers access to files wherever a broadband connection is.

Major players in the online backup solution sector are:

• Mozy
• iDrive
• iBackup
• Ubunuto One
• MobileMe
• Carbonite
• HP Upline

Each one offers different and unique pricing plans, most offer some sort of free trial or limited storage, which I strongly suggest you try out before purchasing.  Be wary of companies who charge transfer fees if you plan on backing up and retrieving files on a regular basis.

Lastly, keep two copies of everything.  Don’t assume just because it’s online it’s going to remain there.  Most companies have very strict terms of services, go two months without paying the bill and they are likely to wipe your data clean.  Backing up online is often much cheaper than hard drive storage when multiple users need to access data from different physical locations in the world.

Tags: Backup
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The Cloud is quickly becoming the new platform for which project managers will deploy tasks, oversee and manage them.  The Cloud refers to the next step in the evolution of computer technology, web based applications that can be shared, modified, assigned and tasked to different people without the need for specialized software.

In an article on CNET last year, Cisco’s CTO is quoted as saying the cloud is, a way of abstracting the services and applications from the physical resources and using a more on-demand layer.  That’s Cisco, a company who makes hardware!  Clearly the future for them is offering more web-based controls of their hardware.  The HR Tech Blog questions how well the Google OS may fair in today’s market, interesting since Google dominates so many web based applications already.

Proving that Cloud computing is here to stay, Microsoft released Azure, kind of under the radar, but directly targeted at cloud computing and integration with the soon to be released Office 2010, hoping it may help kill some of the growing popularity of Google Chrome. WebGuild makes the case for open cloud computing provided it does not force centrally controlled network computing, favoring a hybrid model instead that offers true portability across internal networks and internet connections.

Clearly The Cloud is here to stay, but how it becomes integrated into today’s workforce is still on the fence.  No perfect answer has come yet; however there are enough specialists who are out there telling everyone what is not needed.  The real challenge will be utilizing Cloud technology when bandwidth is limited; the next big hurdle for The Cloud to move forward that needs to be crossed is high speed mobile broadband.

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Project managment only goes as far as the tools you impliment for achieving your goals.  Having the proper strategies to get things done will ensure your team meets goals and deadlines. Phil Wolf has compiled a really nice list of project management checklists, all in .doc format for easy download.  Tech Republic has dozens of articles, but The Best of Tom Mochal is worth downloading (Free sign-up required to download PDF), as he’s been writing about managment techniques for more than 20 years.

Taking things to another level Scrum Desk is a desktop application to apply and manage everything in your current and future projects.  Not sure which set of tools will best fit your needs? Tommy Norman breaks down all the latest ins and outs to help you choose the right scrum managment tool.

Sometimes you just need to get things done, or GTD.  There’s more apps, spreadsheets and flow charts on the web than anyone could ever hope to impliment. Jeff Sandquist has put together an impressive list of tools for getting things done.

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Computers are a wonderful thing and have become the foundation of how most businesses run.  The downfall to the computers is often security issues, most all of which are avoidable with some simple legwork done up front.

Teaching users one simple thing can avoid their computer from becoming corrupted or worse, having strangers access sensitive network shares.  Anyone who leaves his or her desk or workstation should Lock his or her Windows computer.  Indiana University has a great write-up on how to do this for Windows.  Why? Because if your front desk receptionist has to use the bathroom and doesn’t lock her computer, anyone can sit at her desk and gain access to her computer and possibly others on the network.

Keep Windows up to date.  Don’t know how? Microsoft will walk you through how to do it.  Patches come every few weeks and usually address issues or plug holes, it’s crucial that these are done in a timely manner.

Social networking isn’t for everyone at work.  Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter and other common social networking services can boost a companies profile and allow fans and customers to reach you in different and exciting ways, but it can often lead to many other problems.  IT Business Edge published The Risk of Social Networking and the Corporate Network that addresses issues like data theft, information leaks, spam and phishing concerns and more.

Don’t let employees walk away with data.  Most network computer workstations don’t need a CD or DVD burner in them, as such many workstations still ship with the read only versions for software installs.  More of a concern is the USB ports prevalent on the front and back of nearly all computers made today.  Edifying Minds covers How to disable USB ports to ensure staff aren’t sneaking company materials out of the office.

Tags: Security
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In a world rocked by recession, Barack Obama’s stirring “Call to Service” has been resonating like never before.  More people than ever are inclined, or just available, to help - and the recently passed national service bill reinforces the new community spirit.

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Tags: accountability, charity, transparency
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