General+References

This page contains items of general interest in providing background and context for this technology plan.

2011 Abstract: Cloud computing is on the forefront of the technological landscape with Google, Microsoft and Amazon, among others, building up their server capacity to handle the next perceived leap in technological innovation. However, not only does the security of cloud computing have to be seriously addressed, but SOA governance and the capacity in the core, connectivity and fiber layers of the Internet to absorb the increased bandwidth will also have to be considered.

2010 Abstract: Cloud computing is a mode! for providing on-demand access to computing service via the Internet. In this instance, the Internet is the transport mechanism between a client and a server located somewhere in cyberspace, as compared to having computer applications residing on an "on premises " computer. Adoption of cloud computing practically eliminates two ongoing problems in IT service provisioning: the upfront costs of acquiring computational resources and the time delay of building and deploying software applications. This technology is not without a downside, which in this case is the privacy of business and personal information. This paper provides a conspectus of the major issues in cloud computing privacy and should be regarded as an introductory paper on this important topic.

2010 Abstract: This article introduces cloud computing and discusses the author's experience "on the clouds." The author reviews cloud computing services and providers, then presents his experience of running multiple systems (e.g. integrated library systems, content management systems, and repository software). He evaluates costs, discusses advantages, and addresses some issues of cloud computing. Cloud computing fundamentally changes the ways institutions and companies manage their computing needs. Libraries can take advantage of cloud computing to start an IT project with low cost, to manage computing resources cost-effectively, and to explore new computing possibilities.

2011 Abstract: This paper consists of four major sections: The first is a literature review of cloud computing and a cost model. The next section focuses on detailed overviews of cloud computing and its levels of services: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. Major cloud computing providers are introduced, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google AppEngine. Finally, case studies of implementing web applications on IaaS and PaaS using AWS, Linode, and Google AppEngine are described. The last section discusses costs and technology analysis comparing cloud computing with local managed storage and servers. The total costs of ownership (TCO) of an AWS small instance are significantly lower, but the TCO of a typical 10 TB space in Amazon S3 are significantly higher. Since Amazon offers lower storage pricing for huge amounts of data, the TCO might be lower. Readers should do their own analysis on TCOs.

Note from Amy:

SaaS = Software as a Service PaaS = Platform as a Service IaaS = Infrastructure as a Service

2011 Abstract: Matt Goldner, product and technology advocate for OCLC, examines cloud computing, a new technology model for IT services. It allows organizations to avoid locally hosting multiple servers and equipment and having to constantly deal with hardware failure, software installs, upgrades and compatibility issues. Cloud computing can simplify processes and save time and money. This article defines cloud computing and shows how it is different from other types of computing. It also discusses how cloud computing solutions could be beneficial to libraries in three basic areas: technology, data, and community.

Who Does That Server Really Serve?

Why Richard Stallman Takes No Shine To Chrome

Storm Clouds: Gmail Failure Reinforces Danger of Becoming Too Cloud-Dependent

Computers in Libraries 2011 cloud presentation

Using Cloud Services for IT Infrastructure //Cloud computing comes in several different forms and this article documents how service, platform, and infrastructure forms of cloud computing have been used to serve library needs. Following an overview of these uses the article discusses the experience of one library in migrating IT infrastructure to a cloud environment and concludes with a model for assessing cloud computing.// I think the works cited list is a good resource.

Some articles cited: The Advance of Computing From the Ground to the Cloud The Cloud, the Crowd, and Public Policy

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