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Cloud Tasks

Cloud tasks: Working Efficiently Together

The term cloud task describes a small job that has been created by the division of work into many small tasks that can be processed by a number of individuals. The results are collected in a mutual network, in this case, the cloud. In practice, platforms such as clickworker use it to share work. These tasks can be anything from a simple confirmation of data all the way up to writing content descriptions. These tasks are often uploaded to the crowd in large numbers, yet due to the nature of crowdsourcing the work can usually be completed within a short space of time despite the large number of tasks available.

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Benefits of Work-Sharing

Tasks can be processed quickly, easily and efficiently with the help of cloud tasks. Particular phenomena, such as the knowledge of the crowd, allow effective results. However, the idea behind this is not new. Shared work systems have been used since primeval times. But the Internet has revolutionized it because many users have simultaneous access to a mutual database and can process tasks together. This type of working also suits many more people as they prefer to slot in this kind of extra work as and when they feel like it. Being able to complete tasks when out shopping or at home when keeping an eye on the kids is ideal for many who want to make some extra income. This style of working is suited for all but especially stay at home parents, students, retirees and more.

Examples of Cloud Tasks Past and Present

It may be difficult for those new to the concept of cloud tasks to think how they were and still are implemented so here are some examples to make that easier! Back in the 70s/80s the English NHS would have to keep a count of the cost of prescription medication. Back then a doctors office wouldn’t have a computer in it and when a prescription was issued it would be written out by hand. When the prescription was filled by a pharmacist they would retain the paper prescription and send it to the pricing office. This office would recieve thousands of paper prescriptions a day, their staff would sit with piles of them on their desks and input each medication into a computer system, each prescription usually took a few seconds to process. Due to the large number of staff and offices, their skills of remembering codes and their data entry speed these prescriptions were processed very quickly. These days prescriptions are mostly electronic or entered into a database at source if not.

A more modern example would be random stock checking. Imagine if a retailer wanted to ensure their stores were adequately stocking their shelves of certain products. They could hire a team or workers via a company such as clickworker.com to check that for them! Workers would go out in the field to the respective stores with their phones and answer questions and take photos based on what the retailer is looking for. That data is then sent to the retailer so they can follow up with specific stores or keep the data on file to compare after any required procedural changes have been identified.

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Evolution of Cloud Tasks

When they were first thought of and used, cloud tasks were often very simple in their nature and design. There were usually only available online via a desktop in a home office or internet cafe. They mainly consisted of basic data verification or input. These days cloud tasks can be far more complex, some even require workers to pass training and qualifications. Even more exciting is the fact these tasks can now be done on the go. Most people use smartphones and apps such as the clickworker app to create a way for cloud tasks to be completed by workers out in the open. This means data can be captured in shops, bars, and restaurants and more which broadens the scope of work possible. Therefore companies will serve even more clients.

This evolution has helped so many companies save money and time. Whilst basic functions like data input do still have some value, these more complex tasks show just how quickly companies can gather data that may not just save them money but make them money in the long term. The use of mobile phones out in the field is one of the most exciting, no longer do people have to use covert equipment, they can simply take a quick photo and no one will think anything of it. This makes it easier for the worker to complete their field cloud task without interruption.