computing in the cloud presentation for “friends of the chamber of commerce” richard a. bowers

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”


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


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

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


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 ...


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


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


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


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)


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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Computing in the Cloud

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

RAB Communicationswww.rabcomm.com

January 24, 2008

1/24/2008 37Computing in the Cloud

computing in the cloud presentation for “friends of the chamber of commerce” richard a. bowers

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