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Technology pop quiz for business owners: What's more secure? A. Data stored in redundant back-up server installations (or "the cloud"), automatically updated and maintained, in a facility secured from outside threats. Or B. Data stored or backed up to an on-site tape or flash drive, whenever the company's controller or non-IT back-office staffer remembers to do it - then left in the drive? For many, the answer in theory is A, but in practice, it's B. Why is this important? Because studies have shown that 70 percent of companies go out of business after a major data loss and 60 percent of companies that lose their data will shut down within six months. Yet those unfamiliar with cloud computing still believe onsite back-up is a safe, secure solution. Therein lies one of the most compelling reasons to embrace cloud or ERP (enterprise resource planning) computing.

A new commission on the leadership opportunity in US deployment of the cloud is going to provide the Obama administration with reccomendations of how to deploy the cloud better.

It is increasingly apparent that finding the perfect cloud platform is a lot like getting married. The perfect partner if hard to find. Yes there are 5 major players as of today that include Google, Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon but even they aren't identical in this field. A better bargain might be found with one of these baby clouds so it appears to be worth the look. All of the usual IT issues are what will last, what's next and how much did that cost? The clouds are coming no matter what though....

Amazon launched it's Cloud Player and Cloud Drive service today, which lets you store files online and stream music to your computer or Android phone. We spent some time with it this morning, and despite some missing features, the service is an amazing value and pretty easy to use. Right off the bat, Amazon gives you 5 GB of free storage, which is already more than the free 2 GB Dropbox has.

This article explains the strategy and benefits of printing from the cloud platform.

This article talks about why the cloud is good for non-profits.

The nonprofit sector is in a bit of a technology evolution/revolution. As the industry looks to reduce costs, increase efficiency and engage with constituents that are living lifestyles that embrace mobile, digital and social technologies as never before. It is here that the benefits and options that cloud computing brings to the table are clear.

This brief article talks about cloud printing being implemented by HP. Keeping documents in a cloud instead of printing them may be something to consider.

If you want to understand what the cloud platform is really about then read this. The connectivity of all computers is going to a new level. This might help you understand the vision.

How do you decide which cloud platform is right for your company? Well you could trust the cloud rep. implicitly or learn why one platform might be the best fit for your nonprofit or government agency to use. This PDF outlines many of the differences.

Microsoft Community Affairs and TechSoup recently hosted a webinar focused on how moving to the cloud can benefit nonprofits.

Open APIs (application programming interfaces) are VERY important to look for when considering cloud-based solutions. Think about the implications for nonprofits selecting an online solution... would you want one with an API or not? (BTW... take a look at the APIs for both Google Apps online and Microsoft Office365 online. Let me know what you find.)

This is the video I showed during the 1/31 class re: APIs. (Cards vs. Candyland)

Allows an organization to back everything up, while keeping information private. Cool idea.

For a multi-platform cloud solution, SpiderOak seems like an interesting way to approach cloud computing for a small NPO or at home. The process seems pretty similar to Dropbox, although, the lack of Android support seems to be a major hole in their operation.

this article is multiple pages, 13 in depth looks at different clouds

This website works with nonprofits to implement technology solutions for them based on cloud technology.

This article announces the entry of cloud connect toolbars. Google is using Google docs to get access to more information and are offering some organization in return. The expected benefits of adding the toolbar are explained.

Another article on cloud printing

Great example of crowd-sourced question site to help answer a specific question about a CRM (client relationship management) solution for a small nonprofit.