For example, the IP data center segment grew by 170% year-on-year, reflecting the fact that many companies are buying high-end servers that can handle the massive Internet traffic associated with cloud-based computing services.

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Similarly, your navigation and location-based services are tied to cloud services hosted on servers around the globe.

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Cloud based computing has centralized e-mail data onto the servers of companies who are well positioned to deal with spam.

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Servers used to stream video, offer cloud-based gaming, carry out facial recognition and other more complicated tasks would be best off using x86-based chips, he added, at least for the next few years.

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Via email, Mindshift spokeswoman Lisa Masiello said the company currently has no plans to make changes to its prices or list of services, which include simple cloud-based email as well as more advanced services such as virtual servers and desktops, VoIP solutions, and overall IT management.

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Although this is more cost effective for its customers, cloud-based Office software will cost Microsoft more when compared to supplying software that is installed on the computers and servers of customers.

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Much as Google has with its Google Drive service, Apple has embraced cloud computing with its iCloud offering, which lets users store documents, photos, music and movies on Web-based servers.

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