Developing applications in the Cloud?

Salesforce.com (the No Software pioneer) and Twitter (the uber microblogging site) have recently announced a partnership that creates an extension to Salesforce.com&aposs Service Cloud which is built on their Force.com platform, (found on the Intel Businses Exchange). This Service Cloud is an online application that allows one to capture the twittering of your CRM database, all in real time, plus the ability to have continuous two-way communication with customers and partners.

I find this very interesting for two main reasons:

• Firstly, it&aposs a validation of the belief in social media from a corporate perspective. Many corporations are still behind the ball on the two-way communication and outreach to the online community, many times because of the concern about controlling the message. With these kinds of online apps it is increasingly making it easier for companies to take that leap.
• Secondly, this is one of a host of applications that are being built within the Cloud, online and web-based versus the traditional way on your company network (or even your own harddrive!) This seems to indicate a shift in how applications are being developed.

Are you now or are you considering to develop apps within the Cloud? If so I&aposd love to hear your thoughts on why and your take on benefits that come with this model.

Thanks!

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