Clouds on the Horizon – Part 1

The New Media Consortium (NMC) recently presented their 2009 short list (http://horizon.nmc.org/wiki/2009_Shortlist), and one of the topics being considered to be adopted within the next year is “Cloud Computing.” Cloud computing is a service or application that is provided over the Internet, while all the software and data is stored online. Cloud computing also allows users to access these services without having to worry about the software or the Internet infrastructure that supports these services. Although the concept has been around with services such as Amazon, search engines, and library catalogs, the idea of cloud computing comes from the rise in Web 2.0 applications that have become more elaborate, taking some traditional desktop applications to the cloud. Some examples are office applications like Google Docs and Zoho Suite, which provide basic Office applications as a web based service. Although cloud computing applications are still in development, and provide basic functionality, it is an indication that more people can remain online often enough for these applications to become popular. Cloud computing also gives opportunity for new technologies to provide services in a new way. The following are two quick examples.

The Kindle relies on being connected online all the time so that you can buy, read, and store your reading materials on a cloud based service through Amazon. When you purchase a Kindle, it includes the Internet access through cellular phone networks which allow you access to the Internet based services anywhere there is cell phone service. This little device takes your “book bag” into the clouds, so you can have your digital books available all the time without the physical footprint of traditional books.

Netbooks have grown in popularity as low cost notebook computers that have barebones features for under $1000. Although the netbook may have limited functionality, the netbook can supplement its feature through cloud applications that require an Internet connection, web browser. It is also popular because the everyday needs of many users can be accommodated with cloud applications, such as online e-mail, social networks, and online office suites.

These are just two examples, but I would like to start a series for my own personal research, and as motivation to get me writing again, to take a detailed look at cloud computing and what it might mean for the librarian profession.

-KF