Cloud computing is something that just about every freelancer and entrepreneur uses on a daily basis. However, when many hear the phrase “cloud computing”, they can become a bit reticent in expressing exactly what they feel it is. Here’s the description from Wikipedia: “Cloud computing is a marketing term for technologies that provide computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services.”  Here’s my definition for the novice: Cloud Computing allows you to collaborate with others in a way that was not possible before. For instance, before cloud computing, email was used to send documents back and forth to team members who may or may not work in the same physical area. The recipient would have to open the email and download the attached document before making any changes. Now, with cloud computing, teams can actually work on, change and complete documents collaboratively and simultaneously, whether they are in the same location or not. Boy, has this solved many issues for virtual teams like mine!

While Google docs is one of the old stand bys and a fan favorite of many virtual workers; there are so many other new options that are on the scene. My team uses several programs that allow for virtual collaboration for not only documents, but meetings, conference calls and webinars. I also think by now, everyone is familiar with the “Oh-so-helpful” Dropbox! This is just a tool we don’t think we can live without! Now that you understand a bit more about cloud computing, share with our readers your best tips for cloud computing software or programs. I respond to all comments personally and look forward to hearing from you.

This is Shilonda Downing, signing off for Virtual Work Team LLC!