Cloud Computing: Impact on Your

Library

By Dheeraj Singh Negi Asst. librarian

IMI Bhubaneswar

Cloud computing has become a major topic of discussion and debate for any business or organization which relies on technology. Anyone connected to the Internet is probably using some type of cloud computing on a regular basis. Whether they are using Google’s Gmail, organizing photos on Flickr or searching the Web with Bing they are engaged in

cloud computing. As Geoffrey Moore points out, the interesting thing about cloud computing is it did not start as a technology for the business enterprise, but was driven

by he public with services like Facebook, Over the last few years businesses have started to see the value of cloud computing causing it to become a major technology solution for businesses and organizations around the world. Looking across the information and broader technology landscape, it is not difficult to find success stories of switching to cloud computing, disaster stories, and a great deal of debate about what cloud computing is, or isn’t. The purpose of this article is to look specifically at how cloud computing can be employed by libraries and what needs to be considered before moving into a cloud computing solution. 

Introduction

Dr. Ranganathan’s fourth principle very much applied when we say Cloud Computing. Save the time of reader by providing information anytime anywhere.

We should be able to design our services in such a way that a user gets it 24x7, if having good internet connectivity.

More efficient and speedy distribution of library services with lower cost

American multinational Computer Technology Company Dell is currently working on a project called “Ophelia”, a potentially game changing device that is essentially a virtual computer that can be accessed anywhere. Project Ophelia would allow a user to access their own computer and its applications on any connected devices.

Simultaneously multiple users can use provided resources and services

Constant performance that is monitored by the service provider

Why Cloud Computing

Data: Bibliographic, Digital, Administrative, License, Access and Preservation.

Content: Collections, Subscriptions, Print, Publishing.

Services : Library as Place, Content Access, Content Creation, Instruction, Research, Preservation.

Experience: Research, Study Support, Peer based Collaboration, IT Exploration

Use of Cloud Computing in Library

cost-effectiveness security scalability versatility virtualization user-friendliness scalability and resource optimization

Cloud Computing Features:

Examples of Cloud libraries:

You are provided access to application software often referred to as on-demand software. You don't have to worry about the installation, setup and running of the application. Service provider will do that for you.

You just have to pay and use it through some client. Benefits of the SaaS model include: • Easier administration • Automatic updates and patch management • Compatibility: All users will have the same version of software. • Easier collaboration, for the same reason • Global accessibility. Examples: Google docs, Microsoft-office 365, Prezi.com

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Your computing platforms, such as operating system, programming language execution environment, database, web server etc., are all based in the Cloud.

PaaS has several advantages for developers. Operating system features can be changed and upgraded frequently Teams can work together on software development regardless of distance Services can be obtained from diverse sources that cross international

boundaries. Initial and ongoing costs can be reduced by using a single vendor Multiple projects can use the same developers Examples: AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku SalesForce.com Google App Engine IBM.

Platform as a Service (Paas)

components. The service provider owns the equipment and is responsible for housing, running and maintaining it. Characteristics of IaaS include:

Utility service and billing model. Automation of administrative tasks. Dynamic scaling. Desktop virtualization. Policy-based services. Examples: • Aws.amazon.com • Cloud.google.com • www.windowsazure.com • www.hpcloud.com • www-935.ibm.com/services/us/en/cloud-enterprise/index.html • rackspace.com

Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS)

Development as a service is using a company to create or develop applications for your library all done online.

Examples: Cloud9IDE https://c9.io/– For java script

developing IBM ; Almaden Research Center – software Northwoods:

http://www.northwoodsoft.com/Software-Development/Software-Development-Services.htm

Development as a service (DAAS)

IDaaS is using a service to manage you online identity such as logins, passwords, and software licenses. It also can control user and computer accounts.

Examples: OpenID.net AOL.com FaceBook.com Google.com Twitter.com Paypal.com Verisign.com Yahoo.com

Identity as a Service (IDaaS)

These are companies that assist you in complying with various regulations or privacy guidelines. If you

work in a hospital setting. You might be familiar with AthenaHealth.

Other examples: • Bankserv.com – For Banks • ClearPoint PCI – for Credit Cards • FedCloud – For government

Compliance as a Service CAAS

Hacking, Identity Theft, Spamming, Viruses.  These cause The loss of intellectual property and business

confidential information The loss of sensitive business information, including

possible stock market manipulation Service disruptions

The additional cost of securing networks, insurance, and recovery from cyber attacks Reputation damage to the hacked company (library)

Security and Cloud Computing

Planning for Change Things to consider for preparing for

the cloud Maintenance

Transitioning the Library to the Cloud

Cloud computing is very important tools for every librarian. But Cloud Computing is in a period of strong growth, so this technology is still has some issues of security and somewhat it is immature. The real value of cloud computing is that it makes your library related software and data available transparently and everywhere including in latest available smart phone devices. We are all aware, country like India faced problems like digital divide and off course very low internet bandwidth. So, benefit of new technology can be reached to limited area of educational area.

Conclusion

Cloud Computing MLADEN .A.VOUK -Issues, Research an Implementations, Information Technical Interfaces, June 2008.

  Farber, R. Cloud Computing: Pie in th Sky?

ScientificComputing.com,November/December 2009

Davies, K. Amylin, Amazon, and the Cloud. BioIT World, November/December 2009, pp. 35, 42.

  SME Survey on Cloud Computing Cloud Computing Information Assuranec Framework.

http://broadcast.rackspace.com/hosting_knowledge/whitepapers/planning-a-move-to-the-cloud.pdf

  http://networking.ringofsaturn.com/Tools/serverpowerusage.php  

References