Reaction to:
What cloud computing really means by Eric Knorr, Galen Gruman
As cloud computing becomes more and more prevalent it is worth taking the time to understand what it is. I had a very basic understanding of cloud computing. Actually, the only thing I thought of when I heard cloud computing is people using a software application that's accessed online and with that a place to store the documents created. I've learned that there is more to cloud computing than just utilizing software and storage online. This article helped put cloud computing into a better focus from an IT viewpoint as, "a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities." (Knorr & Grumam)
There is SaaS, Software as a Service, like using Microsoft Office in the cloud. One product that millions have access to via the Internet. When it comes to managing information in companies that have large databases and need more space is where Utility computing can offer solutions. Companies like Amazon and IBM are offering storage and virtual servers to companies that can be accessed on demand. Web based services like Quick Books for accounting and payroll can be access with any computer that can hook to the Internet. PaaS, Platform as a Service, building applications that will run on the provider's servers and customers can access over the Internet. MSPs are managed service providers that work with a company's IT department for email virus scanning or cloud based anit-spam services. I think I knew about these aspects but didn't really think about them or how they worked, but now I have a better understanding.
Questions that come to mind.
How can cloud computing be a benefit to companies? In what ways?
Can utilizing the cloud help manage resources and information better than keeping that information locally at a company?
What are the risks involved with using the cloud for data management?
Reference:
Knorr, E. & Gruman, G. What cloud computing really means. InfoWorld.
Retrieved from
http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031?page=0,0
What cloud computing really means by Eric Knorr, Galen Gruman
As cloud computing becomes more and more prevalent it is worth taking the time to understand what it is. I had a very basic understanding of cloud computing. Actually, the only thing I thought of when I heard cloud computing is people using a software application that's accessed online and with that a place to store the documents created. I've learned that there is more to cloud computing than just utilizing software and storage online. This article helped put cloud computing into a better focus from an IT viewpoint as, "a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities." (Knorr & Grumam)
There is SaaS, Software as a Service, like using Microsoft Office in the cloud. One product that millions have access to via the Internet. When it comes to managing information in companies that have large databases and need more space is where Utility computing can offer solutions. Companies like Amazon and IBM are offering storage and virtual servers to companies that can be accessed on demand. Web based services like Quick Books for accounting and payroll can be access with any computer that can hook to the Internet. PaaS, Platform as a Service, building applications that will run on the provider's servers and customers can access over the Internet. MSPs are managed service providers that work with a company's IT department for email virus scanning or cloud based anit-spam services. I think I knew about these aspects but didn't really think about them or how they worked, but now I have a better understanding.
Questions that come to mind.
How can cloud computing be a benefit to companies? In what ways?
Can utilizing the cloud help manage resources and information better than keeping that information locally at a company?
What are the risks involved with using the cloud for data management?
Reference:
Knorr, E. & Gruman, G. What cloud computing really means. InfoWorld.
Retrieved from
http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031?page=0,0
Great post, Barb. I was unfamiliar with cloud computing before this project as well. I think the primary benefit of cloud computing is the ability to store pretty much any electronic file online. This frees up computer space and allows for easier access. However, because it requires Internet access, connection problems could complicate access. I'll be interested to see how cloud computing continues to evolve.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of companies are using it for ease of access anywhere and to easily share information between co-workers. My current supervisor is in love with the idea of cloud computing, but hasn't given it enough thought to actually invest in it for our department. I also think there are certain things that cloud computing offers that can be done on a local network level that some businesses haven't considered fully. Share drives can be created on networks so that employees can share information without going on the internet. I think businesses really need to consider exactly what they want, and if cloud computing is the best way to achieve it.
ReplyDeleteBased on my experience, the problem with shared drives on local networks is that the files can only be accessed by one or a very limited amount of people at the same time. Many people may be able to access the file, but only one can save and make editions (usually the first person that accessed it).
DeleteI know that my workplace does utilize cloud services as back-up for all data and, I am assuming the MSP aspect of email virus surveillance. For some time now there have not been those "bandwidth slowdowns" which we were encountering previously so I think that's a plus, as well as the economic aspects of costly IT investment which now can be "cloud-sourced". For smaller organizations with limited IT personnel and funds it seems to be an efficient way to stay updated - like hiring the expert consultants. Again, I have an impression of the secure vault feature of cloud computing. As to risks, in consideration of increasing competition and use of third party management, the forensics article which Lauren posted is an eye-opener for me. Thanks for this elementary Info World article, Barb, which makes me realize how much I have to learn about Information Technology!
ReplyDeleteOne of the benefits of the “cloud,” for businesses, is that they would no longer need to have disaster recovery plans. If they were to experience some sort of system crash, resulting in lost data, they could simply go to the cloud, access the missing/corrupted data, and voila! Another benefit would be the freedom to work wherever you wanted, provided that the Internet is accessible. Additionally, the cloud allows for better collaboration among employees. For example, a team of co-workers would have to individually work on files and email their contributions and editions. If a file were on the cloud, it would be kept in one location where all co-workers would have access to the most up-to-date version. The company that I work for uses Google Drive for this very same reason; everyone has access to the most recent customer, carrier, and supplier contact information.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen,
ReplyDeleteWhat about intranets like Sharepoint? When you say that shared drives limit users and editors, I agree, but intranets are much more flexible. I love the multi-user features of our Sharepoint - it brings together 13 county libraries spread across a big geographic area, and we can collaborate, edit, and share at will. In fact our old shared drives are going extinct soon!
I wonder also about using Google Drive to store library records; the issue of privacy and access by Google seems to be in conflict with privacy laws for libraries such as the Michigan Privacy Act, which we must comply with. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Thanks for these great posts!
-Heather
We also have an intranet, but is used for different purposes. I agree with you - they are much more flexible!
DeleteI believe cloud computing has great potential but one of the largest downfalls would be what happens if access to the internet was interrupted? We had an ice storm last December right before Christmas. Our smallest library was without internet access for a week. We were unable to utilize our software to check books in and out-- so we used an excel spreadsheet so we could still be open. We were still able to function- checking out materials- but in a limited capacity. If all of our information was stored in a cloud-- we would have not had access to it for the entire week. Which might have made things even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of my classmates, that cloud computing would be great because you can take it anywhere. Having the ability to be able to access it from any computer is great. Stephen mentioned Google Drive and that is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of cloud. It allows me to look and edit documents from any computer that has access to internet. I also agree that crashes would not be as much of an issue because the cloud saves all of it. That is a really awesome feature. I think the biggest risk in using the cloud is the internet connection. You would always need it to view your documents. Another risk is hackers, they are everywhere and with documents on the internet for people to share with each other and between computer. I feel that, that is opening doors to other people getting into that stuff as well.
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat unsure of what exactly cloud computing was, as well. Thank you for sharing the very informative article. I now know that I have used cloud storage more than I thought I did, for work purposes dealing with collaboration and sharing ideas for large projects or presentations. It has made for a very easy way to share the many files without having to search through emails or update the saved files on your computer system. I am still not sure if I would use cloud storage to store my schoolwork or family photos since I am not exactly sure how secure they would be. I also question what happens when there is an interruption in the internet connection. My place of work was without internet for two days and not much work was completed since all of the files we needed were located on the cloud.
ReplyDeleteI am still not entirely sure I understand cloud computing but agree that it could become a useful resource for libraries. However, as others have mentioned, there are always downsides of using the cloud as your main source of storage because if loss of power occurs, you won't be able to access the files.
ReplyDelete-Kathleen Headden