Friday, December 5, 2008

Week 14 Muddy Point

My muddy point was about cloud computing.  What the heck is it?  I read the articles, watched the youtube video but still dont understand WHAT it is?  Will it take over the web.  Will we all just use our cell phones, computers, and just log on, buy some time and then we can do what we need to?  Is it like going to a coffee shop and using their wi-fi?  Is it only for businesses?  Really, really confusing to me...

Week 14 The future of Libraries

Basically this article stated that the role of libraries is ever changing.  Libraries started out mainly as a way to archive information to collection building for people who could not or didn't want to amass their own libraries.  Rapidly changing technology trends have now changed the way we look at libraries and what they role is.  As technology continues to grow, develop and change, librarians will have to change with them and figure out how we find into this ever changing complex role.

Some notable trends were the trends that all technology ends--the 8 track player, the beta max, and the cassette tape have all disappeared.  Technology is getting more complicated--search engines will at some point allow for the ability to search for taste, texture, smell, speed, et al.  Global information is growing exponentially and libraries will transform to a center of culture.

Key recommendations for the library to thrive in these changing environments:
1.  evaluate the library experience
2.  embrace new information technologies
3.  preserve the memories of your communities
4.  experiment with creative spaces

Week 14 What Cloud Computing Really Means

Cloud computing is a way to increase capacity or additional capabilities on the fly without investing in a new infrastructure. 
  • easy way to train new personnel
  • licensing new software
There is subscription use or pay-per-use.

1.  SaaS: single app through the browser
there is no upfront investment in servers or software licenses
low costs

2.  Utility Comp.: the storage and virtual servers that IT can access on demand.

3.  Web Services

4.  Platform:  delivery of development environmental

5.  MSP:  App expanded to IT rather than end-users

6.  Service Commerce Platforms:  service that users interact with

7.  Internet Integration

Week 14 Explaining Cloud Computing

youtube video that explained what cloud computing was.  The video stated  that you could get online resources from anywhere and it decreases the cost as a purchase utility service.  It is compared to Web 2.0 with the emergence of on line apps such as SaaS.  Office apps are available--these include Blist, SlideRocket and Google Docs.
Hardware with cloud computing Haas--EC2 with Amazon and Google app engine.  There are many advantages with Amazon EC2:
  • elastic
  • flexible
  • inexpensive 
  • reliable
The trend of cloud computing is being compared to an electrical network--why build your own system when you can tap into a nationwide one.