How to Move Applications to the Cloud

We’ve ported a number of Windows-based applications to the "cloud", using both Java and .NET technologies. Some applications port quite easily and are even better than the original as they take advantage of all the cloud has to offer. Data-driven business processes and workflows are perfect examples.

Other applications aren’t so easy. For example, the most common business content used by Windows applications is unsupported by standard web technologies. Over 80% of companies use Microsoft Word to generate business documents but must create and view them separately from web workflows. Adobe PDF files and high-resolution images are almost as bad, having only limited view options in the browser.

In addition, many companies have invested millions in networked copiers, scanners & printers but must endure inadequate or non-existent print and scan functionality from the cloud.

For some applications this is a show-stopper.

However, new software from companies like Google, WebTotality and GraphOn is now available and can help overcome these cloud software limitations.

Google offers Google Cloud Connect to help bridge Microsoft Office content and the web. You can create, edit and collaborate on office documents using Office on the desktop or Google Docs on the web. In addition, Google provides APIs to access these documents from any web application directly.

WebTotality offers software which allows web apps to view, create and print Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF and high resolution image content. Microsoft Word templates and Adobe PDF forms are also supported. This content can be on the web app server, Google servers or GraphOn GO-Global servers.

WebTotality also provides technology that allows web apps to take full advantage of modern networked copiers and printers. Web workflows can scan to compressed PDF or Microsoft Word files. They can have the print quality provided by Adobe PDF. Paper trays can be selected on a page-by-page basis.

For the ultimate in backwards-compatibility, GraphOn has a product called GO-Global that allows web apps to run native Windows applications in the same browser window as the web app. For example, a web app can run Microsoft Word and pass it a Word document to edit. GO-Global uses virtualization technology so all software resides in the cloud - no client software necessary.

In summary, more and more applications can now be successfully ported to the cloud as new and exciting technologies become available.

Visit WebTotality.com for more information.