I understand cloud computing as outsourcing for IT services. A separate company handles all your storage, backup, server maintenance, and even software platform needs for a fee - essentially IT specialization. I thought that cloud computing was something big businesses used but I discovered that I’ve been using it for a while.
I use it mainly as software-as-a-service over the web so that I don’t have to install programs on my own computer. I use Google Docs to collaborate partnered school work through my independent studies at Adam State and it allows me to access my school work on any computer so I don’t have to remember all my memory cards. All of the applications that I use on Facebook are in the clouds and I store all my digital pictures in the clouds just in case my computer crashes.
Cloud computing could benefit the library in more ways than reducing its bottom line. Library databases could merge and grow without concern for the space needed for storage. Centralized mainframing would eliminate the need to update or patch every computer. And if we locate out data centers in countries where renewable resources are readily available we can help reduce our carbon footprint.
