The Cloud. Kinda generic. We’ve all heard it, and we’ve probably all used it. I’m old fashioned. I thought the cloud was a back up tool – keep your stuff on your device and and sync to back everything up in case of a boo boo. The cloud is much more than that today.

Let’s start from ground zero. What is the cloud, and why do you care? The cloud is a collection of servers that are accessed over the internet. These servers store data in data centers all over the world. By using the cloud, you don’t have to store and manage your data on your own machines. By using the cloud, you can access your files and applications from almost any device anywhere in the world where you can get internet access. This is why you can log in to your social media accounts after you get a new phone and everything is there – just like it was on the old phone. The device doesn’t matter – it’s simply a place to view your data.

Why do you want your data on the cloud? Simple. Your data will be stored in a cloud account (I use Microsoft OneDrive and Apple iCloud), and it can be accessed from anywhere you log in. You are probably using other cloud storage options that you’re not even aware of (the social media example above has it’s own cloud based storage). I get it, sort of, but why do I want this? Imagine a world where you are working on a roster for a member tournament on your laptop at work. A member emails you at the last minute to express interest in the event and give his guests name – while you are out giving a lesson. You have a few minutes in between lessons, so you open the database and add the member information to the database file on your phone. This change is now made everywhere you could access this tournament roster file. If it’s a shared document, everyone else who has access to this database (food & beverage coordinator, tournament director, Head or Assistant Professional, etc.), can also see the changes in real time. The good news is that you don’t have to go into work to get things done. The good news is that you can work from anywhere. The bad news is that it is so easy to do this, you might be compelled to work when you shouldn’t be. That is on you if you want to or not, but you can if you do want to.

I have two storage systems. Some are easier for some things, and others for others. There is not problem using either on different platforms (iCloud on Windows, or OneDrive on a Mac). I can use one for personal and one for business. Do I want personal pictures accessible on my work laptop? No. Do I want to have access to the new price list on my phone? Yes. My data, my way. If you spend some time with this, you will find that you can be very efficient in how you do this.

I bought a new MacBook pro laptop a few years ago. The size of the hard drive was very small. How am I supposed to store all my data on that tiny hard drive?? You’re not. You store it all on the cloud. Why are big hard drives with lots of storage going away (other than the cloud)? Simple. Do you know what hard drives do besides store data? They have a disc that spins so the computer can write data to it. That mechanical motion (making the disc spin) creates heat… a LOT of heat. Any guesses what the biggest cause of computer hardware failure is? You guessed it. Heat. If you can remove the disc drive (or make it smaller), the computer runs cooler and they last much, much longer. So, if you use the Cloud, not only will the computer last longer, but the data can be accessed from anywhere. Not a bad “compromise”.

Try it first. Start to copy your data to the cloud. Get used to accessing it from anywhere. The more comfortable you get, move more and more. Eventually, you’ll be surprised you didn’t always do it this way.

Your work, your way.

Happy Professionalism. Enjoy your work/ life balance.