Project Management in the Cloud

Working on-the-go often means less then reliable Internet connections.  Because so much of project management and cloud computing relies on the Internet, tweaking your settings to deal with a slower connection speed then you may be used to will help you accomplish the same amount of tasks with less frustration.  While you can access some things offline and outside of the cloud, sometimes you just really need the Internet for things like email, which can’t always wait.

Web Worker Daily outlines How to deal with slow Internet connections when traveling, one of the best pieces of advice they offer is to split your workload up into light and heavy bandwidth tasks.  Lifehacker also has a great writeup on How to survive a slow Internet connection, mostly dealing with tweaks to Firefox so pages load faster.

Your other option is a bit more drastic, but if you need a faster Internet connection you can always scope out a coffee shop or other business that offers free Wi-Fi and consider working there for a period of time.

Tags: Internet
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By the very definition, an Operating System is,

an interface between hardware and user. An OS is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer. The operating system acts as a host for computing applications run on the machine.

So what if that operating system is only installed on the hardware and then used to reach out to the web and connect you with cloud based tools?  If you’ve been playing around with Google Chrome, Google says You’re already running Google OS. Even last year when Chrome was announced others caught on to the fact that Google launched an OS and called it a browser, perhaps as a way to not confuse customers yet.

The Google OS could mean that the now popular Netbooks can really become more feature-filled, relying less on Windows based software and operating systems, since the majority of the hardware churning apps is done on the cloud.

For project management, the Google OS is somewhat of a dream.  It means that less hardware can perform for longer before it’s considered obsolete and connect more team members with more features, functions and apps.

Tags: Google, Google OS, Operating Systems
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Spreadsheets are a necessary evil in the business world.  Their cells are used for complex math algorithms, charting, graphs and sometimes, as an easy way to show simple lists of things like inventory.  Moving your spreadsheets into the cloud removes the necessity to install software on each workstation and email the file back and forth to multiple team members, wondering who has the most recent version. Collaborating on spreadsheets in the cloud allows for (in some cases) real time edits that are viewable by all and a centralized location to keep data.

Wikipedia has a great list of Online Spreadsheet Software, most powered with AJAX technologies.  For a more in-depth comparison, check out Edit Grid who built one based on the six most popular options and displays it in one of their own spreadsheets.

Tags: Spreadsheet
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Just over two years ago the world was introduced to the iPhone, the first phone that really made browsing the Internet and running applications not only fun, but didn’t hurt your eyes or fingers to use.  Up until then, mobile project managers relied on their laptop computers when on the go, some of the tasks they needed their laptops for were replaced with the iPhone, then touch-screen versions of the Blackberry.

About 18 months ago a new surge started, Netbooks, 7-9″ laptop computers that cost less than an iPhone and are way more portable than a laptop, they seem to bridge the gap between cell phone and laptop.  They too have limitations though.

Laptops are ideal for: Users who need to run power and memory heavy applications, commonly run on desktop computers, who require far greater storage capacities and for users who prefer full sized keyboards.  A built-in Internet access point is rarely on a Laptop and accessing the Internet is usually restricted to Wi-Fi hot spots or with the use of a Wi-Fi card and mobile internet plan.

Netbooks are ideal for: Users who primarily email and run cloud based applications on them and don’t mind a smaller keyboard.  Netbooks generally have much smaller hard drives and less powerful processors but are more then capable of running cloud applications, browsing the web and handling email.. Becoming more popular is built in data plans, so finding a hot-spot isn’t always an issue with Netbook.  Their low cost of entry is also really appealing.

Phones are ideal for: Users who are always on the go and want to take as little as possible with them.  They care more about reading email then replying and need to run specialized apps to handle their projects, mostly cloud based.

There is no solid answer on which is best for a project manager on-the-go, each has a place, and should be considered before choosing.

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The Cloud is great, but it doesn’t always have to be on the Internet.  Utilizing an network attached storage device (NAS for short), it’s possible to setup your own customized cloud at home, accessible from any computer on your intranet.

Infostor has a great article on why this is important, the summery is basically for logistical reasons and for speed, especially with large files.  One of the companies profiled in the article, and in a Tech World article is Nirvanix, focusing on bringing the cloud into a tangible setting, not just cyberspace.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, there’s a great write-up on how to build a Drobo-Replacement based on ZFS that would be perfect to run cloud apps on.

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Travel can have it’s ups and downs, for some project managers, it’s just a fact of life.  Keeping on task, managing teams of employees and multiple projects can be taxing though, so systems are essential to keep every job moving forward.

Two of the tools that will keep you successful and far less stressed out are communication and collaboration. Utilizing cloud based project management tools makes it easier to keep track while trekking around the globe, and to keep in touch with everyone.  Some great references are:

• Managing teams remotely
• Best Cloud Computing Resources for Project Managers
• Collaboration in the Cloud

Tags: Collaboration, Communication, Travel
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Managing projects and working with cloud based systems means a constant connection to the Internet.  Always being on the move is also a byproduct of managing multiple products and the need to get on the Internet in different locations can be a necessity, one that there isn’t always room for in the budget.  Before you head off to the next location, use these sites to find free Internet access so you can be sure you’re connected.

• WiFi Free Spot
• Open WiFi Hotspots
• gWiFi
• Public IP
• Wired Free Spot

Remember, check these sites before you go, it’s hard to search a site when you don’t have an Internet connection.

Tags: Broadband, Internet, WiFi
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Part of the concept of cloud computing is off-loading processor and memory needy applications to more powerful servers running web based applications.  The appeal is, less hardware is needed to do the same work and each application becomes drastically more scalable.  This is also provided you have an Internet connection for most apps.

Google has helped by bringing the cloud local with gears, but being online is crucial to most applications.  Compiled here is a list of sites that you can use to find free Wi-Fi spots so you can work wherever you are.

• Wi-Fi Hot Spot List
• Wi-Fi Free Spot
• Open Wi-Fi Spots

Each of them operates based on user input, so no one is better than the other.  Because users are responsible for posting the location, connection speed and review, it’s impossible to say that when you arrive at any location, it will in fact be working properly, so cross referencing might be a good idea.  The Simple Dollar also did a round-up of ten places to find Wi-Fi in stores and restaurants that comes in really handy if you like to eat and work at the same time.

Tags: Wi-Fi
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Staying on top of new trends, techniques and tools is all part of the game.  Cloud computing is still somewhat in it’s infancy though, so finding good resources for projects that are being launched is as important as implementing them.

Alltop has one of the best resources for aggregating cloud computing, you can easily few dozens of blogs in once glance and figure out what articles are worth reading.  Also on the list of must-read sites is Tech Republic, they are very in-tune to changing trends, new software launches and other industry news.  Lastly, if you are curious about what these new trends are, Focus has recently published their Top 10 Cloud Computing Trends, a great read to see what’s working, changing, evolving, and why.

Tags: Resources
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Cloud computing is hot right now, mostly because apps and data don’t live locally, but is it safe?  Many different aspects have been covered, including a list of online backup solutions based in the cloud, but can you trust putting all your data there, all the time?

David Berlind attacks this question head on, so does CBS News and Adept Technologies has a great follow up / rebuttal article to CBS’s article.  All of them kind of point to the same solution, strong passwords, established companies, back-up everything in several locations.

This should also be a notice to change your password to something other than, password, your dog’s name, birthday or street name.

Tags: Safety, Security
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