Reading Notes, Week 14

What Cloud Computing Really Means

Well, this week I got to learn about cloud computing: a term I had not heard until today. Basically, it's "an updated version of utility computing," which means that there are virtual servers now on the intenet. Some go further stating that anything you consume outside the firewall, into the cloud, is cloud computing.

Apparently this is a problem for IT professionals, but I feel so poorly versed in this area that I couldn't really tell you why. Unfortunately, I think this article, while written well enough for a layperson to have a basic understanding, is still too geared toward those who have familiarity with this issue...whatever that may be. Anyway, it was still interesting to read the seven ways of breaking down cloud computing. I guess my conclusion, probably naive, is that it's always better to have more user options. By my reading, that's what this concept allows, and at a lower cost.



Explaining Cloud Computing

I should watched this video first. It makes the cloud computing concept easier to understand. Evidently, my conclusion from the first article wasn't really all that naive, even though I made it based on limited information. But I have a question: When I chose to use Google for my last assignment of designing a website, was that an instance of SaaS? I am using an internet service to create something that normally, or at least years ago, required some kind of software. But instead, I accessed a website, used its HTML editor, and created my own website at no cost or storage space. I realize these are pretty simple questions for a lot of people in this class, so feel free to make fun of me.

Also helpful in understanding this idea is the analogy to an electricity grid. Poor Microsoft, they can't run a monopoly.



The Future of Libraries: Beginning the Great Transformation

I liked this article, especially the introduction that explained the history value of libraries to all societies before books so ubiquitous. Today, of course, the libraries are still valuable but for different reasons. Information is readily available for just about anybody, at least in the industrialized world. That means that libraries must function a different manner, but with the same purpose. Obviously people still frequent the library for information, but since they can get what they want just about anywhere (I'm not speaking of those who choose to go there just so that don't have to purchase something), it means that they are going there because it offers faster communication (Trend #1) or more efficiency in locating the desired information (Trends #4 and #5)

The trends listed in this article break down the future of library services quite well. I think the first and seconds trends are the most important "live by" if you're a librarian, because you have to realize that all technology has a lifespan. What's the value of a library if any regular person that uses the same technology on a day-to-day basis? Well, then you're just a discount book lender.

Trend #7 I have the most doubt about. I mean, really...there will be zero literacy? We'll be a verbal society? I don't think it's that black and white, even if growing technology verbal communication a near necessity. People will always have a desire to read and write simply because it's either a) the preferable form of communication or b) more likely, they just like to do those things. I'll "only" be 70 years old by then, and I can promise anybody reading this that I'll be reading and writing, because it's what I love to do. Trend #10 is a bit dubious...too vague.