Cloud Computing in Libraries

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The emergence of Information technology plays a very vital role in Library services. The libraries are adopting the new technologies to present information in such a way that the users can access it easily. Cloud Computing is the latest technology which has changed not only the way organizations conduct business but the service they provide to customers. Libraries have also started using cloud computing to provide services.
Cloud Computing
A definition for cloud computing can be given as an emerging computer paradigm where data and services reside in massively scalable data centers in the cloud and can be accessed from any connected devices over the internet. In other word, it is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data rather than a local server or a personal computer. Cloud computing is a way of providing various services on virtual machines allocated on top of a large physical machine pool which resides in the cloud.
The basis of cloud computing is to create a set of virtual servers on the available vast resource pool and give it to the clients. Any web enabled device can be used to access the resources through the virtual servers. Based on the computing needs of the client, the infrastructure allotted to the client can be scaled up or down. From a business point of view, cloud computing is a method to address the Scalability and availability concerns for large scale applications which involves lesser Overhead. Since the resource allocated to the client can be varied based on the needs of the client and can be done without any fuss, the overhead is very low.
In cloud computing, your data file, or photo or music is saved on a server somewhere other than your ...

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...e loss of confidential information as well as data and service disruption. So make sure that there will be proper security measures and backup system in place.
11. Check out how easy is it to move your data to a different vendor if you are not satisfied with the current vendor.
12. If the vendor’s company is shut down or sold to someone else, can you get your data back.

Conclusion

An understanding of cloud computing and its features is instrumental in the development of next generation library systems. Although the opportunities which cloud computing offers libraries can lead to enhanced user services and collection visibility, there are security challenges to overcome. It is critical for librarians to understand cloud computing and then work together to leverage the improvements this new architecture offers and address the potential difficulties it presents.

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