(Guide time: 40 to 50 minutes.)

What is cloud computing?

Image by Bruce Clay, Inc.

Most of you have probably used cloud computing without even realising it. You are saving information "in the cloud" when you are writing your blog for this course and this course is an example of cloud computing using Wetpaint Wiki which all contributors were able to access remotely.

The term "cloud computing" refers to a new generation of computing that uses distant servers for data storage and management, rather than using software on personal computers or saving to local servers that require a team of IT technicians to maintain and repair.

Watch this Commoncraft video: Cloud Computing in Plain English.

Example

In order to see how this works, read about some companies and how they are using cloud computing in this Guardian newspaper article what is cloud computing?

Why use this?

• Reduced Cost
  Cloud technology is paid incrementally, saving organisations money. You only pay for what you use (rather like electricity). There is no need to pay up front for servers and their storage.
  
• Increased Storage
  Organisations can store more data than on private computer systems.
• Highly Automated
  IT personnel no longer need to worry about keeping software up to date.
• More Mobility
  Employees can access information wherever they are, rather than having to remain at their desks.
• Allows IT to Shift Focus
  No longer having to worry about constant server updates and other computing issues, government organisations will be free to concentrate on innovation.

(From Web 2.0 journal article: Six Benefits of Cloud Computing)

Cloud providers like Amazon cater to major markets by deploying local infrastructure and allowing customers to select “availability zones”. This is to abide by local laws, especially Data Protection.

How libraries use this

Any library that has a Facebook page, a Twitter, Youtube or Flickr account could be said to be in the cloud. To take this even further, in 2009 OCLC announced the development of a library management system in the cloud, including circulation and acquisitions modules.

The cloud can also be used for collaboration and working more efficiently. Online tools will cover some of these applications later.

There are important legal, privacy and security considerations to bear in mind when using cloud computing. This will be discussed in The legal bit.

Activities

1. Read this Guardian newspaper Cloud computing means processing for all.
2. Read "What is cloud computing and how will it affect libraries".
3. Think about what you and your authority do that is "in the cloud".
4. Blog about your understanding of cloud computing.

Recommended followups

1. Read this Guardian newspaper article on the Government's plans for it's own cloud computing system.
2. For further information about the range of tools available in the cloud that you can use personally and professionally, read "THE ROUGH GUIDE to Cloud computing" by Peter Buckley, ISBN: 9781848365209 (2/2010). This small volume is an excellent practical directory of tools.

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