Top Questions

What does cloud computing do for me?
Why would I choose a dedicated server?
Can a dedicated server be used remotely?
How do you connect to a cloud?
How do you print from the cloud?
How do you backup cloud files?
What about cloud security?
What happens when there's a problem?
Can I use Microsoft Word instead of OpenOffice?
Where does Giant software come from?
How do I pay for Giant service?


What does cloud computing do for me?

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard about cloud computing. It's new technology that works just as well in your home as it does in your office.

It used to be you were tied to the office. Then along comes email and cellphones and you can move around a little. Now there's cloud computing and you can access customer files and business correspondence without driving to town.

When your company is spread out but needs to act as one then cloud computing will be your best answer. Western New York has cold winters and a business where the owner lives in Cassadaga, the sales manager works in Jamestown, and the bookkeeper is cozy in California will find that cloud computing is a great way to get people working together.

The price is right too. Use the computers you already have. You don't need an in-house computer expert either. No capital expenditure and no technology hassles makes cloud computing attractive for even the smallest business.


Why would I choose a dedicated server?

With a server installed in your building, data transfer stays on the high-speed local area network and avoids the slower internet. You get superior performance.

Having a dedicated server is like having a traditional phone. Highly reliable but it costs a little more and is tied to one location. A cloud server is more like your cellphone. Inexpensive and flexible but sometimes it has connection problems. If you have a bunch of people in one office, a dedicated server is the way to go.


Can a dedicated be used remotely?

Yes, your interent router can be adjusted to allow remote access to a dedicated server. This flexibility helps a lot with the new way of working. However, the fastest internet connections still come from a cloud server in a data center.


How do you connect to a cloud?

Similar to using Internet Explorer or Firefox to access the web, you run NX Secure Shell software to access the cloud. It takes about twenty seconds to get thru security and jump into your Giant database. All processing and storage is done in the cloud. Your PC acts like a terminal - everything looks the same no matter where you are located or what computer you are using.


How do you print from the cloud?

Paper may be going away but it's not gone yet. When your software is setup, we enter the email address of each user. Then, when you print from the cloud the result shows up in your email. From there you can view, print, or forward the message as needed. Adobe Reader software is used to view, search, or send to your printer.


How do you backup cloud files?

Even with reliable hardware, everybody knows backup is a good thing. We like a three layer approach. Make a daily backup by runing a Giant menu option that quickly creates a backup package containing all your files on the server. Once a week run a program that transfers the backup package from the server onto the computer where you sit. Once a month you can do a copy/paste of the backup package onto a USB drive or DVD disk. Take that copy home and sleep easy knowing you're well protected with three backups.


What about cloud security?

For years I stayed away from remote access because of security concerns but Secure Shell made me a convert. Technically it's "public key encryption using RSA-256 on a non-standard port". Access requires that, in addition to the normal userid and password, you must supply a key that looks something like this:

-----BEGIN DSA PRIVATE KEY------
MIIBuwIBAAKBgQCXv9AzQXjxvXWC1qu3
CdEqskX9YomTfyG865gb4D02ZwWuRU/9
C3I9/bEWLdaWgJZXIcFJsMCIkmWjjeSZ
fbk2YhRqoQTtXPFsI4qvzBWct42WonWq
yyb1bPBHk+JmXFscJu5yFQ+JUVNsENpY
+Gkz3HqTAoGANlgcCuA4wrC+3Cic9CFk
qiwO/Rn1vk8dvGuEQqFJ6f6LVfPfRTfa
QU7TGVLk2CzY6dasrwxJ1f6FsT8DHTNG
nxELPKRuLstGrFY/PR7KeafeFZDf+fJ3
mbX2nxrld3wi5titTnX+8s3IKv29HJgu
PvOK/SI7cjzA+SqNfD7qEo8CFDIm1xRf
8xAPsSKs6yZ6j1FNklfu
-----END DSA PRIVATE KEY-----

Now I can login and even use insecure wireless networks without fear. My business data and secrets, stored in a New Jersey data center, are better protected than when they were in the room next door.


What happens when there's a problem?

It's our job to put all the pieces together and keep everthing running for a fixed monthly cost. If something breaks or you get error messages, we are there to take the call. Helping you use Giant to get your work done is one of the services covered by your subscription (and we enjoy doing it).


Can I use Microsoft Word instead of OpenOffice?

You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between OpenOffice which comes free with Giant and most Microsoft Word versions. The only reason to stay with Word is that your company has developed lots of custom macros (and few companies are in this situation). Did you know that OpenOffice stores documents in Word format?

Getting Word installed on all your computers gets to be expensive, but the choice is yours. We can setup your dedicated server to use Microsoft Word on the local area network. You must purchase a copy of Word for each computer and use HP LaserJet style printers.


Where does Giant software come from?

Giant is our own software and we're proud of it. You can't get this product from anywhere else. Most software is too complicated so we strive to keep a balance between simplicity and power. Giant started out in factories supporting lots of workstations then moved into smaller service companies.

It's a proven product has been running every business day for over 20 years. Previous versions ran on DOS and OS/2. Currently Giant runs on Windows and Linux. With cloud computing we've found a way to make Giant available to more people.


How do I pay for Giant service?

You pay for the Giant service just like you pay for electricity or telephone service. Each month we send an invoice and accept your check as payment. Remember, there's no long term contract. If you're not delighted, just call to cancel your service.


Call us at 716-985-4000 with your questions.

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