Computing in the Cloudpresentation for

“Friends of the Chamber of Commerce”Richard A. Bowers

Your Community College

January 24, 2008

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What is the Cloud?● Server-based programs● Remote storage of documents, data● Others perform computing for you

Irony: Multi-user computing began in the 60's as “client/server”

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What makes it possible?● Inexpensive server technology has allowed

broad expansion of computing capability● Decreasing costs for digital storage● Broadband/pervasive communication● Common/standard file formats allow data

exchange

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What are the advantages?● Cost● Freedom of movement/no tie to specific

computer● Software updates without effort● Files exported in common/standard formats

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What are the risks?● Business model – vendor viability

(but then, whence Lotus, WordPerfect?)● Security concerns

(Google vs No-name)● Online apps – AND DATA – available only with

an online connection Prudence suggests occasional back-ups locally

but ...

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Benefits for campuses● Less expense● Ease of distribution of preferred software● Common capabilities for faculty/students● Save dollars for necessary specialized

applications, eg., GPS, stats, medical● High probability of best security available● Reduce burden on campus IT dept

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Benefits for business/enterprise● Same as campus benefits:

Lower software costs Standardize file formats/training Reduce burden on internal IT Security

● Reduce cost of hardware● Enable flexible hours for some employees● Enable collaboration with customers

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Range of Applicationshttp://techscout.rabcomm.googlepages.com

● Standard “office” functionality

Word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, db/data org, calendars PLUS - collaboration!

● Communications

Email Voice communications, voicemail, forwarding, conferencing Fax

● Media processing● Distribution/Publishing

Social networking (blogs, wikis, vlogs, podcasts) Web sites Catalogs

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Additional alternatives● Open source

● What open source” means● Traditional applications, often mimicking brand name functionality –

produced by collaborative efforts – resident on workstations/pc's – still maintains other features of the “cloud”

Open Office Audacity (audio editing) Inkwell, Sketch-up (graphics)

● Portable Applications● Can be open source or commercial, but self-contained on a portable

medium – applications + data – and run without impacting host - “borrowing cycles”

Applications on portable device “Office on a stick” (memory-stick, that is)

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Hidden benefit for campus/B&I● “Cloud computing” cutting edge, changing● New potential area of expertise● Potential as leverage to gain attention of

business & other contract education/training● Showcase the expertise to promote courses,

training & contracts● Grist for promotional seminars, intro classes,

local splash

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For more information ...

● Link to examples in this presentation:● http://techscout.rabcomm.googlepages.com

● Rich BowersRAB CommunicationsColumbus OH 614-327-3241rich @ rabcomm.com “Technology Scout” –www. rabcomm. com network science, collaboration and social networking; emerging

technologies; marketing, promotional and advertising consulting

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But wait ... There's more ...

Computing in the Cloud

http://www.go2web20.net/Richard A. Bowers“Technology Scout”

RAB Communicationswww.rabcomm.com

January 24, 2008

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