image credit – http://cloudcomputingcompaniesnow.com/
Web based applications are entering the market at a rapid rate and people are embracing them for many reasons. Low cost alternative to expensive desktop applications, anywhere access because of cloud storage, platform independence are few of the main reasons people choose these SAAS applications. One of the main concerns people had with web based applications is the security of their data. But the improvements in security protocols and better understanding of security procedures helped to reduce those fears. But there are still some things you should be aware of when adding important information in these websites.
Freemium and Public Data
Freemium is the business model used by most web based application providers. In very simple terms freemium means providing a software or service free of charge and charging only for advanced features. The privacy and security concerns mostly occur when using the free part of the service. A good example for this is Creately diagram tool, a tool to draw info-graphics and many other diagrams. To attract potential users they let you draw up to five diagrams for free. The problem is all those diagrams are public, which means they are indexed by search engines and visible to anyone browsing their diagrams. This is not a criticism of the tool, it is clearly mentioned in their user agreements and again notified when drawing a diagram. But many simply ignore this messages because most consider it as an up sell.
When you browse through the public diagrams you come across some diagrams which are better kept confidential. Network diagrams showing the layout of a network, mock-up of an iPhone application, User interface redesign of a popular websites are some of the things that can be found in the public diagram section. They might not be top secret data but could lead to embarrassing situations for respective owners of that data.
Monthly Payments and Data Storage
Most web based applications have a monthly payment scheme or pay per action payment scheme. Most users of these services don’t have any idea what happens to their data once they stop making payments. Most services keep the data for a specific number of days and delete the data. Some services keep them forever and some make them public as well. This is why it is important to carefully read the service agreements when signing up for subscription based services.
Web Based Applications are the Future
Cloud applications are going to dominate the future software releases. They provide superior functionality to the current desktop applications at the fraction of the cost, so naturally people will be more attracted towards them. You just need to be a bit more careful with your data when using web based applications.
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One must always read the terms and conditions careful while signing up regardless of paid or free service. The chance of content that you create is likely to get public in free services as that’s the way they make money. One must be vary of what they do with web applications.
Cheolsu recently posted..Myspace Login
Twitter: rumblinglankan
says:
I agree that you need to read them carefully, but most of them are so long and covered with technicalities. I highly doubt even 1% of Internet users read the fully before clicking I agree.
Nishadha Silva recently posted..Social Media for Technology Companies and Start-Ups
Twitter: faqspedia
says:
there is a huge amount of phishing chances in free web based services and they may make money with our personal data and email address
shyam jos recently posted..Top 3 free email clients for windows 7
Twitter: rumblinglankan
says:
When you are signing up for an online service I guess you are giving out your personal information based on trust. However anti-spam laws are getting tighter these days so there is a low chance of your email address ending up in a spam list. Some people do maintain a separate account for various signups.
Nishadha Silva recently posted..Twitter Tools for Businesses and How to Use Them Effectively
Twitter: postboxesuk
says:
Whilst I love the phrase freemium I subscribe to you get what you pay for. If a service is really worth something to you, usually you don’t mind paying for it. And keeping your content secure has to be a price worth paying.
ChloeB recently posted..Post Boxes UK live!
Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
I agree with Cheolsu. We sign up the agreements without reading them and this is dangerous. Sometimes I realize that I have signed to web applications that have my whole life in their data base. Addresses, phone numbers, date of birth, credit card numbers and I freak out. Who can assure me regardless of privacy policy that my personal info won’t be used in the future to offend me?
elena_anne recently posted..Echinacea Benefits And Common Cold: How It Helps And What Are The Possible Side Effects
Twitter: rumblinglankan
says:
I guess no one can guarantee that your data is safe. That is why it is important not to divulge personal data when signing up for these services. Most of the time an email address is more than enough to signup for the service.
Nishadha Silva recently posted..What is Affiliate Marketing and How Does it Work
Twitter: davesnape
says:
Excellent overview – and web based applications do indeed appear to be the future. I’m happy with my personal computer based ones though. Some data I would prefer to keep locally stored. How about you?
david recently posted..Credit Card Company Complaint Options
Twitter: rumblinglankan
says:
Yes, some data are best left in your local computer. Because if they really want hackers can break most systems.
Nishadha Silva recently posted..SEO in Sri Lanka | Search Engine Optimization in Sri Lanka
Twitter: chillicave
says:
as i believe that now as interent is growing day by day. data becoming unsafe but we can use different tool to be safe… and one thing most nulled software is used by hacker to get over data now a days so beware
issac recently posted..Cool And Funny Pictures Volume 1
Twitter: rumblinglankan
says:
You are correct, more and more data are becoming available publicly and most people are not even aware of the risks. Which is why there are specific companies providing data deletion services.
Nishadha Silva recently posted..InfoLinks Review and How to increase your InfoLinks earnings
Twitter: Prevucare
says:
While I can see the benefits of cloud computing for when you work and travel a lot and need a ‘mobile desktop’ I’m not totally sold on the idea especially when you have Google’s new privacy laws which noone can ever fight against I just wouldn’t feel secure.
Although I’m quite young still
I’m still from the old skool of owning an install of software!
I think cloud computing is the future, as the powerful sync features really tie together desktop and mobile applications. It really puts your office within reach at all times. However, I would say you can’t rely on cloud computing exclusively – it’s always good to have a backup of your most sensitive data locally and offline. The best cloud apps make it easy to export data for this purpose.