Privacy, Security and Web Based Applications

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Software Engineer turned Tech consultant. I help start-ups and technology companies position their product in the market and advice them on how to get better search engine visibility and conversion rates. I have more than eight years experience in working with the software industry and more than five years experience in digital marketing. I manage my own blog network and do SEO consultation in Sri Lanka. During my free time I love to travel, read and try out new dishes.

Nishadha has written 2 articles for ComLuv.com
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Web Based Applications in the Cloud
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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Comments

  1. Cheolsu says:

    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 LoginMy Profile

  2. shyam jos
    Twitter:
    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 7My Profile

  3. ChloeB
    Twitter:
    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!My Profile

  4. elena_anne
    Twitter:
    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 EffectsMy Profile

  5. 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 WorkMy Profile

  6. david
    Twitter:
    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 OptionsMy Profile

  7. issac
    Twitter:
    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 1My Profile

  8. LouisC
    Twitter:
    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!

  9. Andrew says:

    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.

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