Go Higher with Cloud Computing

My predictions for 2009? The 1980s are the new ’70s, leg warmers are going to be all the rage, and mainframe computing will stage a comeback. OK, we’re not talking about the computer taking up a whole room; but like ripped jeans and Beverly Hills 90210, we seem to be heading back toward a client/server model of computer applications. Only this time the server is a cloud.

The cloud, or cloud computing, refers to the use of Internet servers to provide applications, storage, and processing power to smaller Web-connected computing devices. Small drives in netbooks can use the cloud for extended storage, and portable devices like the iPhone or the new Google-powered Android phones connect to applications on the cloud to duplicate desktop functionalities. In many cases, cloud computing is ideal for small public libraries, though school libraries may face additional challenges in coordinating with technology departments. The biggest advantage? There is little to no technical support needed; the tools are all accessed online, though sometimes a particular browser plug-in may be required. This may be a concern, as help may not be readily available in case of glitches.

But in 2009, cloud-based services may become more reliable. Like the bursting of the tech bubble in the late 1990s, current economic conditions are hitting Web startups hard. With venture capital drying up—the investments that drive technology development—many sites are closing down. This thinning of the herd will strengthen the remaining services and should bring about a renewed focus on product stability. It may also lead to new business models, where sites charge for their Web applications, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. School districts may actually be more comfortable with this arrangement as a fee includes a contractual obligation for service. When there is a fee, don’t be shy about contacting sites for school or library pricing. Many of these businesses have no idea that they are creating products that could be useful in schools, and so are often willing to work with you on a pricing model to meet your needs.

Here are my cloud picks for 2009:

• I was recently saved from a very bad situation wherein a keynote presentation was accidently deleted. Yes, even geeks like me make silly technology mistakes, but I also had a back-up plan in place. I opened my client from Mozy.com, an online backup site, and downloaded the file from the safe and secure cloud-based backup within minutes. Other sites like Backblaze.com and Carbonite.com provide similar services for around $5 a month for home use, though Mozy also provides a free service for backups up to 2GB. These real-time services use a huge amount of bandwidth for initial uploads (these can take up to a week!) but after that will back up your files without the local time, resources, and effort normally required by this important task.
• Send your calendar to the cloud in 2009 to open up new possibilities for collaboration. 30boxes.com provides a powerful event-entry interface while also allowing calendar sharing. For even more interactivity, turn to the cloud to help find compatible meeting times with sites such as TimeBridge.com or TimeToMeet.info. Both offer integration with online and off-line calendars and a tool for scheduling a meeting with a group of users. Save time, eliminate all those emails asking whether a date works, and let the cloud work for you.
• Office applications are headed to the cloud, as well, not only to reduce the hassle of licensees and installation, but also to harness the power of interactivity. The city of Washington, DC, has switched to Google’s Application Suite including Google Docs. In addition to Google apps, libraries might try Adobe’s suite at Acrobat.com or the excellent offerings from Office.Zoho.com.