Cloud Applications, by: Hailey Jackson

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a revolution in accessibility for library patrons. It can be compared to the advancement of the digital card catalog system. Where before the ability to access all the books and media that the library had available, cloud computing is the extension of this net of information to the information catalogs of the world. The insertion of the internet into the libraries came with a new set of challenges that required the library staff to become an assortment of IT professionals that would maintain and update the computers that were to be used to access it. Software and hardware had to be purchased and tested to make sure that they would endure the patrons use. “A variety of library systems are used to achieve libraries’ goals to support research, learning, and teaching.“ (Han, 88) These systems are integral to the library services, but at great cost.

Cloud computing is the extension of this infrastructure with the exception that software is converted into a SaaS (Software as a Service) model, meaning that it is no longer installed on the computers, but rather that it is provided upon request through the internet. Cloud computing has become a world equalizer allowing all libraries of any size or budget to have access to the same programs and software. There are many of these software suites, but in this article I will be covering just a couple of the main categories:

Office & Productivity

Up until the late 2000s a user had to use a built in software suite known as a productivity or office suite to create documents. Some of the legacy suites were Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, Lotus Notes, etc. They were a suite of programs that were installed locally and sharing them with others meant that you needed to ensure that they had the same software and version that you had. This of course cme with a great price tag for the libraries.

Online applications, or cloud applications have recently received great fan fare for their ease of use and simplistic approach to sharing and collaboration. Some of these applications are, Google Docs, Microsoft Office 360, and Only Office. While most of them provide a free solution, they all have similar features. They are accessible through the cloud, they do not have to be installed on your computer to work. They are easily shared with others since those that you send it to can use the free online software to view and alter your documents. Finally they have collaboration that is not hindered by a local network, or specific hardware. Library patrons can come to the library and use any computer to connect to their cloud accounts. All of their documents can be found, viewed, edited, or printed.

All you need is internet access and you can view, print, edit and share your documents.

   

Advanced Computer Applications

Many opponents to the cloud computing solution have said that there is a problem with the cloud and that it cannot perform advanced services. Recently there have been advancements in this space that have brought video editing through WeVideo and Magisto, and photo editing through Photoshop Online, Pixlr, and Google Photos. The web is ever-evolving and with a new year comes a burst of cloud software that can complete your tasks through a variety of providers and all levels of interaction from the advanced user to the simplest user. Cloud computing has created a solution that really is catered to the individual. Resolving any limitations that had previously prevented a patron from using creativity software due to budget constraints and availability.

Magisto brings video editing to the cloud platform. Libraries no longer need to purchase expensive software suites and train personnel to use them.

Hardware Agnostic

In conclusion I wanted to touch on one of the greatest features of cloud computing and that is hardware anonymity. It does not matter what computer you used to start your document, or edit your video on. The simple statement applies every time. The computer that you are on is the right computer because it can access the cloud, and it is the cloud that gives your computer the power to do everything. Your email is already setup, the last document that you were working on has all your most recent changes, the video that you edited last week is there. You are on the cloud and the only thing that the computer in front of you has to do is access the internet and you are ready to go.

The movement into the cloud does not end there, you can access all of your digital life from any device, phone, tablet or PC (Apple or Windows). It is on the move with you.

Works Cited:

Yan, Han. "On The Clouds: A New Way Of Computing." Information Technology & Libraries 29.2 (2010): 87-92.Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.