Move into the Cloud, shall we?

an article by Sharon Q. Yang (based at Moore Library, Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey) published in Library Hi Tech News Volume 29 Issue 1 (2012)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest information on cloud computing in a library context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an investigative approach including literature review and vendor-provided information.
Findings
Cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. It involves a centralized data center, virtual server space, and secure transfer of data over the internet. The alleged advantages of cloud computing include low cost to own (CTO), agile updates, openness, zero initial investment, just to name a few. Lately library system vendors have begun to deliver cloud computing options. For instance, Ex Libris will release Alma in early 2012. It is an Integrated Library System with a discovery layer based on cloud computing. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers by hours, usage, and capacity. If this trend continues for the next several years, it is just a matter of time before librarians will face the decision as to whether they should move into compute cloud.
Originality/value
The paper discusses this new trend, focusing on the pros and cons of moving into cloud computing for libraries.

Hazel’s comment:
The problem is, of course, that technology is moving so fast that the research is out of date before it is published.

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