Cloud Computing - Web based word editing First commonly used App

In cloud computing based applications the Web based Word is the first commonly used application. In this the word application is not installed on your local desktop or laptop machine. Insted this is available on cloud server. Therefore you don't need to have costly Microsoft office application installed on your local machine.
Also the word document that you create is stored on the servers in the cloud. So wherever and whenever you need this it is available for you.

 

This is very useful when you want same word document to be shared and updated by multiple users spread across the globe. This kind of collaboration is not possible when you have document on your local computer or on your office computer. Also one very useful application of web based word application is that you can not lose your work. It is saved and is available for you even when you close the browser or shut down your computer. You can show it to your customers if internet connection is available.

 

Best of all most of the web based word applications at present are available for free. It is very useful for small businesses and casual users. In general these applications have most of the commonly used features of Microsoft Word application.

Is web based Word Processor right for you?

Before you start using a web based word processor or a cloud service, you need to ask if this is the right service for your need.

Here are some of the uses, where this holds a promise.

Beginners: If you are a new user and just starting the word processing then web based word is a right choice for you. Google Docs will be a good choice to start learning. Though this has a limited functionality and is a good place to begine with.
Casual Users: If you are a modest user then web based word is a good choice. If you are just writing some memos and letters then look for this solution with the assumptions that these letters and memos are not sensitive to privacy and critical to your business.
Access at Multiple Locations: If you need to access your document at multiple locations and too frequently then web based solution you can look for. Storing your document in cloud gives you flexibility to access the document even when you forget to carry your laptop.
Document Collaborators: If you share and collaborate on your documents for editing the data on the document then web based word processing is one good solution to your needs.

As I have discussed so far who should use it, it is also fair to write who should not use this service.
No Internet Users If you have limited access to internet then you should not opt for this service as the minimum requirement is that you should have access to fast internet connection.
Sensitive Documents: If your documents are sensitive in nature with respect to your privacy or business then you should not opt for this service. In that case storing document on your computer with restricted access will be a better option. No matter what Internet is not 100% secure.
Highly Formatted Document If you like to have fancy formatting on your documents or love macro based formatting then web based word is not the right choice for you. Having word copy installed on your local machine will be a better choice for you. Also if you like to have fancy printouts then also web based word is not a good choice.