What is Apple’s iCloud service?

 

Last week Apple released its new service called the iCloud, but what exactly is this iCloud service and how will it benefit you?

Before we start, it’s probably worth explaining what ‘the cloud’ is. You may have heard it bandied about as one of the latest tech trend, or on those Windows 7 adverts where they say “to the cloud”.

Essentially the cloud refers to cloud computing where data such as documents, pictures, music, and even CMS (Content Management System, E.G. teamWorks) are not held locally, but are on a main server in single location. This means that anyone using any cloud-based software is completely reliant on having a secure connection.

This can come in the form of broadband or through the mobile networks with 3G. For any Estate Agents using ‘the cloud’ on a desktop computer, it definitely is a good idea to use a dongle as a backup in case you lose internet connection.

The iCloud is therefore an online storage service which can be accessed over Wi-Fi, broadband or through 3G.

For £15 a year, users will be able to store and access up to 25,000 songs (that doesn’t include any iTunes purchases) and up to 5GB storage for all your email, documents and backup preferences. For your camera, the iCloud will keep your last 1,000 photos for 30 days.

Some people’s music, apps and books can account to more than the space for your iPod, iPhone or iTouch. The iCloud then keeps a record of your purchase and Estate Agents can choose which song, app or book to place onto the device to use offline.

That’s not it. iCloud also comes with a service called iTunes Match where the iCloud will scan your computer, detect and link which songs you have to its internal library. Any songs not in the library will then be uploaded to your own personal place within the iCloud.

What’s good about this is that if you’ve got a CD that’s a bit scratched, it will link it with their internal library and then play their version (if your song is within Apple’s song database).
We really do get quite a lot for only £15 a year.

James Coyne eMarketing and Social Media Consultant