SaaS - Software as a Service

SaaS is a software delivery method that provides access to software and its function remotely as a web-based service. Here the customers can have access to software that otherwise had to be purchased. SaaS allows organizations to access business functionality at a cost typically less than paying for licensed applications since SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee. Also, because the software is remotely hosted, users don't need to invest in additional hardware. It also removes the overhead installation, set-up and maintenance costs. Google Apps, Microsoft 365 and Amazon web services are already providing this SaaS services. 

Raspberry Pi Cloud

Computer scientists have made a working model of multi-million pound cloud computing technology using just Lego bricks and a handful of A£20 mini-computers. The University of Glasgow's Raspberry Pi Cloud project links together 56 Raspberry Pi computer boards in racks made from Lego, which mimic the function and modular design of commercial cloud computing infrastructure. Cloud computing service providers have always maintained a great deal of secrecy over how their systems work, making it difficult for researchers and students to develop a practical understanding of cloud infrastructure. But with the Raspberry Pi Cloud, Glasgow University has a major advantage of providing students with hands-on experience on cloud computing hardware and software. This introduction of the Raspberry Pi Cloud project would broaden access to cloud computing research and education.

A dream against all odds ( Master chef US)

More recently did I happen to watch the MASTERCHEF US show on star network.Excellent one... I should say. The first few shows made me think that the three judges, Gordan Ramsay, Graham Elliot, Joe Bastianich were very harsh in their comments but later I understood that the  perfection they had expected is absolutely required for a show like this. The chefs chosen are no ordinary people and their strict attitude absolutely has brought out the best of the contestants. The show actually exhibits the flavours of hard work, dedication, commitment, spirit and their passion towards cooking. The contestants have put their heart and soul into this. They were made to cook under pressure but still they managed to give delicious dishes.

The final two contestants who competed for the Master chef title were Josh and Christine. I should say that these two were really stunning. Josh was a controversial person who was previously eliminated but got a re-entry in the wild card round. He was not among the top contestants  but his determination got him to the top level. People thought that he could not give a scoring dish. The confidence in him was astounding and made him top the charts. He was the runner-up in this competition.

My all-time admiration in this Master chef is Christine. She was the title winner of this master chef. She is blind - would you all believe this? She didn't even know how her dish looked like when she presented before the judges. Her tearful words " I am a living proof  that dreams come true against all odds" is absolutely true. There was one particular round in which the contestants were supposed to look and taste a dish and prepare the same. When all others could do both, Christine was the only person who identified the individual flavours just by tasting it and took the aid of others to explain how the dish looked like. To everyone's surprise, she replicated the dish with the exact flavours and it was a visual retreat. She absolutely deserves to be on the top. What a positive attitude and a  winning spirit! 

Waze - A traffic App building traffic

Waze is a traffic and navigation app that offers real-time traffic information by providing useful mobile alerts using inputs from its users. It offers free service and generates its revenue through its location-based advertising. Currently Waze has a complete base map in US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Israel, South Africa, Chile and Panama, but the company has plans to extend it to other parts of the world. Now, the news is that Facebook was already in talks with Waze for a bid as much as $1billion but now Google has also revealed its intention for a deal with Waze. Google would like to adopt Waze technology as a compliment  for its established mapping tool. Apple Inc is also in talks to acquire Waze. With this big bidding war amongst the big giants, it has become a hot cake in the apps market.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber is ultimately a step towards innovation in the world of internet. It is a broadband internet network which uses fibre optic communication to provide 100 times better internet connectivity than we are using today. You no longer have to wait for buffering; everything is ready when you are online. Google Fiber is now the fastest ISP in US with speeds of 1 GB per second. Unfortunately, it is presently available in Kansas and Missouri but Google has also added Austin, Texas, Provo, Utah to its growing-list in its official website.Watch out for Google to surprise us by extending its network across the globe!

YouTube has launched the pay-for subscription channel

The biggest video repository, YouTube, has apparantly started the subscription plans to have you pay for the videos you watch. For now, only a few content publishers will be able to offer subscriptions. The pilot channels include topics ranging from comedy to children's programming to live sports."Every channel has a 14-day free trial and many offer discounted yearly rates" a YouTube blog post says. During the pilot program, the viewers will need to subscribe to channels using a desktop browser, but will soon be able to subscribe from more devices soon. Will this initiative be a success? wait and watch....

APPLE iOS topping the charts

According to the latest survey, APPLE iOS has taken an edge over the Android. This iOS continues to lead the mobile web traffic in US. The primary competitors to Apple iOS in the mobile operating space are Windows Phone 7, Google's Android OS and the Blackberry OS. But Apple iOS does have a head start in the apps department, with its App store already featuring more than 500,000 third-party applications. The iOS features a completely redesigned Maps app, passbook wallet app, FaceTime cellular connections, enhanced iCloud integration, Siri, AirPlay for wireless streaming and lot more. With all these excellent features, the Apple iOs undoubtedly tops the list.