The Concept of Cloud Computing and Its Use in Libraries - Assignment Example

?The Use of Cloud Computing in Public Libraries Executive summary Cloud computing, a buzzword of the 21stcentury has transformed the way business operate. The technology model is the way to go for organizations given the many benefits that have been established that come with the use of this technology model. The model is defined by six distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other technology models. The trend in the contemporary world was a move towards the idea of cloud computing as opposed to other technology models. It was identified that public libraries have defining characteristics that show them as still in need of innovations in order to meet objectives. However with the introduction of cloud computing in public libraries a lot changed in terms of management of systems and resources. The introduction of this technology in public libraries meant that there would be increased operational efficiency, effectiveness in the use of resources and cost savings that went a long way in developing other sectors of the library. Cloud computing: Background Cloud computing refers to a computing model and net necessarily technology in which clients plug into the “cloud” in order to access information technology resources that are priced and provided on demand. Simply stated the term cloud is synonymous to the internet. The term cloud computing thus is based on cloud drawings that were used in the past to represent telephone network and in much later times to represent the internet (Buyya, Broberg, & Goscinski, 2011, p. 10). Thus cloud computing is internet based computing where there exist virtual shared servers which provide software, infrastructure, platform, devices and other resources as well as hosting to clients on what is known as pay as you use basis. Information is digitized such that it is provided in the cloud to customers. Users or clients can access these services that are available on the internet cloud without having the ability to operate or manage the resources that are involved (Velte, Velte, & Elsenpeter, 2010, p. 25). Scholars thus argue that the advantage of this computing model is the flexibility that it offers organizations in terms of concentrating on the core business processes of the organization without having to invest their time in training or gaining knowledge in the use of these resources that are needed to manage their business resources (Buyya, Broberg, & Goscinski, 2011: Velte, Velte, & Elsenpeter, 2010). In cloud computing customers do not the physical infrastructure upon which information technology services are provided; rather the clients rent the usage from providers. This is seen as very important for organizations because of the reduction in the costs involved in setting up information technology infrastructure. Companies thus consume resources as a service and pay only for those resources for which they use. Most of the cloud computing infrastructures consist of services which are delivered through the common centres built on servers (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2010, p. 15). Characteristics of cloud computing There are six distinct characteristics of cloud computing technology. First is on demand self-services and this means that computer services such as applications and emails can be provided without the need of human interaction with each of the service provider (W, 2009, p. 27). Secondly is broad network access such that cloud capabilities are availed through the network and can be accessed through the standard mechanisms through any end user terminal such as computers, phones or PDAs. Third is resource pooling such that the providers resources are pooled together to serve a number of clients using the multiple-tenant model with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned in line with the consumer demand. These resources include storage, processing, memory, network bandwidth and email services among others (Gong, 2010, p. 275). Fourth is rapid elasticity such that the cloud services these services can be rapidly and elastically provided, at times automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. The customers or the clients have the freedom of access to unlimited quantity of the cloud services for which they can pay for at any time (Mahzood, 2011, p. 121). Fifth are measured services such that the service usage can be measured, controlled and reported and this is important because it enables transparency between the provider and the client who utilizes the service. They use metering capability which enables the control and optimization of resources used. Sixth is multi-tenacity which refers to the requirement or need for policy-driven enforcement, segmentation, isolation, governance, service levels and billing models for different consumer constituencies. It is possible for consumers to use a public cloud provider’s service or it could be the same organization in which different business units share the cloud service (Zamani, Akhtar, & Ahmad, 2011, p. 304). Trends in cloud computing technology model A number of trends are being witnessed since the emergence of the concept of cloud computing. The concept is slowly moving from the industry buzzword to being critical to business operations. Technology analysts and other business analyst argue that the biggest trend that is being witnessed since last year is the migration of business operations to cloud with spending by organizations on cloud computing estimated to surpass $150 by the year 2013 (Grail Research, 2011). The evolving world of cloud computing has thus attracted a number of players who are trying to forecast on the likely trajectory that the cloud computing technology is likely to take. As clients continue to make substantial investments in cloud computing, it is critical that providers and investors begin to understand customer needs as well as their buying criteria in order to know the best options available for them (Hogan, 2008. P. 45). Thus the trend has been the adoption of the cloud computing in the various sectors of the economy ranging from the small and medium enterprise to, large enterprise, governments and other emerging markets. The trend to migrate to cloud computing is driven by organizations that have the following traits: complex supply chains, organizations that are undergoing significant levels of reorganization, organizations with substantially rich digital content and organizations that lack legacy systems. Organizations which have these traits or those that share these characteristics are the ones seen to be at the centre of adoption of this technology (Chung, 2012, p. 238). It has been argued that the small and medium enterprises have entrenched the concept in their business operations. However the large enterprises have been reluctant to employ the cloud service because of the risks involved. Having realized the potential benefits that come with the application of the technology and the measurable benefits and outcomes that are being achieved by these small and medium enterprises, most of the large businesses have opted to try the model (Pallis, 2010, p. 72). This has also led to a similar approach by governments to use the service. Specific factors have contributed to this trend and these include: the need for access to data and applications on a 24/7 basis; changes on the perceived risk of using cloud based services; improving alignment between customer needs and vendor solutions and lastly the decline in concerns about vendor lock-in (Grail Research, 2011). Public library: Characteristics, Roles and need for Innovation In the early days of its inception, public libraries were meant to provide uplift and enlightenment to the masses. In so doing they fostered the educated, informed citizenry required in a democratic society. The first major characteristic of the public library as was then and is still no is the aspect of voluntary attendance (Johannsen & Kajberg, 2005. p. 289). People go there on a voluntary basis to acquire knowledge that they would otherwise not get at the schools and colleges so as to build themselves personally and professionally. At the earlier times, the majority of public library users were community residents. Many of them were already literate, better educated and better informed. These people also had access to other entertainment materials that were circulated around. At the time of their inception public libraries were off-limit to children and this is because they collected adult books and scholarly magazines that were universally judged to be literary classics of the time or that were designed for the purpose of inspiring and encouraging sound moral character. Scholars argue that the concept of public libraries has a special history that separates from other libraries because they are built on the ideas about democracy, public enlightenment, and cultural welfare development and at times about social emancipation (Pungitore, 1995, p. 3). The problem with public libraries is that they are still stuck with the old ways of thinking and require new innovative strategies in order to serve communities better. The trend in public libraries is to use effectively the available technologies in order to foster enlightenment and drive literacy among citizens. The need for better and innovative technologies is linked to the fast pace of the 21st century that requires organizations to be abreast with technology (Pungitore, 1995, p. 5). Organizations that still employ out dated technology are left behind in terms of progress and productivity. Public libraries strive to attract members to them by offering a wide range of materials which they can use to enlighten themselves. While doing this, they need to reach out to those people out there who cannot physically access the books and thus the need for internet platforms that will bring the library to the comfort of their rooms. Such is the need for the development of web based applications that could be used by these libraries to offer their services to people thus meeting their sole objective of creating an enlightened society (Gilton, 2012, p. 161). The only way to go for public libraries is thus the innovative strategies that employ IT so as not only to increase the population access to materials but also to enable the efficient management of library resources in a way that can be easily reached by the consumers of the information and at the same time the librarians or the library management. Web 2.0 applications are seen as the way to go integrating IT and information services that brings information to the individual wherever they are (Gilton, 2012, p. 163). Application of cloud computing in public libraries The application of cloud computing in libraries can take form in different areas. First cloud computing can be used in the general library systems which are used in the general management of the library and this include storage of bibliographic content, cataloguing, discovery systems, subscription systems and request management systems. Secondly its application can be seen in areas concerned with educational initiatives such as student outreach programs, elderly literacy programs as well as instructional and study support programs for the public. Third cloud computing can also be used in scholarly communications such that they can be used in digital repositories where scholarly information is stored, they can also be used in research and publishing of already researched materials. Lastly is cloud computing can be used in public services such as in enhancing online conversations for example through blogs, the use of Skype and other online conversation platforms, which are guided by patrons or librarians. The current use of cloud computing is specifically related to library systems that have been mentioned earlier. Under planned usage, cloud computing is specifically target at the educational outreach initiatives which are done for special purposes. Potential areas of usage may include such areas content generation and publishing (Doug, 2011, p. 50). Cloud computing and Information management Researchers are critical of the much hyped introduction of cloud services in the area of information management. Others argue that as much as it may be a good thing, it may also come with consequences as concerning data security and privacy concerns and thus the issue of trust always arise when it comes to information and third party handlers (Balas, 2012,p. 28). The proponents of the technology on the other hand argue that regulatory frameworks and policies enacted are already in support of the technology model and thus information security should not be a problem. Information is a valuable resource and should be available anywhere at any time when it is needed (Jamil & Zaki, 2011, p. 78). The use of cloud services guarantee this as information is stored on the internet and can be accessed at any one time. Scholars argue that the advantage of having information which can be used anywhere to make decisions is a very important factor in deciding whether to use the cloud services or not. The advantage of easy sharing of information between organizations and firms or business units is something that is also seen as very crucial in the success of business ventures. Thus cloud computing in the information management field is seen as an innovation to increase competitiveness and to improve efficiency in the delivery of services (Sultan, 2010, p. 109). In the context of public libraries, cloud computing is viewed as the trend to follow and this is attributed to the fact that people across the globe can subscribe to and be part of a virtual library and be able to receive materials and support at the convenience of their homes. This is seen as a big stride in the efforts to get people to use library services (Bento & Bento, 2011). Application example and discussion One of the current areas of cloud computing application in libraries is the in library systems which include cataloguing, request management and others mentioned earlier. In request management system for example, an individual located in Africa may want to access materials on the history of Europe. If he is a member of the library he has to request the information on the internet and will be redirected by the management to the specific materials. If not a member the system will request subscription in order to allow access to the library materials. Thus the request goes to the cloud or virtual library and feedback is sent back to the client as concerns the request. Information for storage Request Feedback Implications for Public Libraries There are a number of implications for the use of cloud computing in public libraries. First is that its use will help libraries in maximizing human resources as they will concentrate on the task of helping people find material rather than spend time on maintaining IT infrastructure. This will also help in maximizing on budget resources which most public libraries lack. Most of the library servers which are in house are underutilized as they run with capacity at the time when not needed and under capacity when required. Thus the use of cloud computing will help in ensuring constant use thus saving on costs that can be used for collections and upgrades of the facility. Third moving the library to the cloud also means that it will reduce substantially its spending on IT and hardware and this means that there will be more time for the staff to concentrate on important library functions and more reliable access by the customers to the digitized content (Hane, 2008, p. 7). It also means that libraries have to continuously innovate in order to keep up with the pace in technology. They have to come up with innovative strategies that can help them to achieve their objectives. Cloud computing is just one of these technologies and thus should be integrated in most of the operations of the institutions. It also implies that people need to be aware of the benefits that come with the new technology so that they understand how they can make use of it and how both the client and the public library benefits. People should be told about cloud computing and how it has changed the way they can access and use information from public libraries. This should help them make use of these library offerings whenever they are. Conclusion Cloud computing is changing every aspect of organizational operations. The technology model with its unique characteristics offers users a variety of benefits such as operational efficiency and reduced costs in terms of IT infrastructure. Initially it was thought of as a buzzword but current trends show the adoption of this model in many organizations ranging from small and medium enterprises to multinational corporations as well as governments. Its application in public libraries has been slow with few notable cases. However, it can be seen to be applied in library management systems, educational initiatives, scholarly communications and in online conversations. The application of the technology in information management has raised questions with others saying it is good because of a number of benefits while others have refused this citing security and privacy concerns. However, the benefits outweigh the risks involved and thus many have begun implementing the model. With this settled, it implies that public libraries will benefit from operational efficiency, reduction in costs as well as the effective utilization of available resources. It also implies that with this technology to succeed a lot of investment has to be made in communicating benefits to users and how they can make use of the model. Reflection A number of issues came up during my research on cloud computing and its use in libraries. Initially I was faced with the problem of identifying the most suitable definition of the concept of cloud computing because of the varying explanations that are given by various scholars. Being a hyped word or concept it is expected that many people would want to try and define it thus creating confusion in the true meaning of the concept. However, after careful review I was able to identify a suitable definition for the concept. It emerged during the research that there are six distinct characteristics of cloud computing which are supported by literature. A number of important trends can also be witnessed especially the rapid expansion of the concept to operationalization across different sectors. Public libraries in their role of enlightening the society have not been left behind in the use of cloud services though; its application is still on a low scale. Scholars continue to support cloud computing in information management however privacy and security concerns are inherit in their discussion. Despite this, the implications for libraries are seen to be of greater scope and beneficial to the libraries and thus warranting the application of cloud computing in its operations. List of References Balas, J. (2012). Moving to the cloud. Computers in Libraries, 32(1), 28. Bento, A., & Bento, R. (2011). Cloud Computing: A new Phase in Information Technology Management. Journal of Information technology management, 22(1), 39-46. Buyya, R., Broberg, J., & Goscinski., A. (Eds.). (2011). Cloud Computing: Principles and Paradigms. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Chung, W. W. (2012). Toward the Trend of cloud computing. Journal of electronic commerce research, 12(4), 238. Doug, J. (2011). Libraries in the Cloud. Library Media Connection, 29(6), 50. Gilton, D. L. (2012). Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries: principles, programs and people. London: Scarecrow Press. Gong, C. (2010). The Characteristics of cloud computing. Parallel Processing Workshops, IEEE, 275-279. Grail Research. (2011, April). Cloud Computing Trends. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from Grail Research: http://www.grailresearch.com/pdf/ContenPodsPdf/Grail-Research-Horizons-Watch-Cloud-Trends.pdf Hane, P. J. (2008). Reports on Libraries, Cloud Computing and Better mapping tools. Information Today, 25(6), 7. Hogan, M. (2008). Digital edge: shoot for the clouds. (trends in cloud computing). Entrepreneur, 36(9), 45-49. Jamil, D., & Zaki, H. (2011). Cloud Computing security. International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 3(4), 3478-83. Johannsen, C. G., & Kajberg, L. (2005). New frontiers in Public Library Research. Oxford: Scarecrow press Inc. Mahzood, Z. (2011). Cloud Computing: Characteristics and deployment approaches. Computer and Information Technology (pp. 121-126). Derby, UK: IEEE. Pallis, G. (2010). Cloud computing: The new frontier of Internet Computing. Internet Computing, IEEE, 14(5), 70-73. Pungitore, V. L. (1995). Innovation and the Library: The Adoption of New Ideas in Public Libraries. West port, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Rittinghouse, J. W., & Ransome., J. F. (2010). Cloud computing: Implementation, management and security. Boca Raton, Fla, London: CRC Press. Sultan, N. (2010). Cloud Computing for education: A new Dawn. International Journal of Information management, 30(2010), 109-116. Velte, A. T., Velte, T. J., & Elsenpeter, R. (2010). Cloud Computing: a practical approach. New York: McGraw-Hill. W, R. L. (2009). Cloud computing. IEEE Spectrum, 46(5), 27. Zamani, A. S., Akhtar, M., & Ahmad, S. (2011). Emerging Cloud Computing Paradigm. International Journal of computer science issues, 8(4), 304-307. Read More