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Chapter Five
Future Trends
Cloud Computing and
Disaster Mitigation
Marshall Breeding
C
loud computing has already begun to transform the use of technology in
libraries. The current phase of technology has seen a shift away from com-
puter systems housed and maintained within the premises of a library or its parent
institution toward an increasing reliance on software-as-a-service and other variants
of cloud computing. This transformation offers a set of tradeoffs of benefits and
challenges that must be balanced as libraries consider options in building their
technology infrastructure. Cloud-based applications do not depend on local serv-
ers and may not lend themselves to the traditional daily backup routines practiced
by many computer systems administrators in libraries. Applications delivered
through software-as-a-service, for example, relieve library personnel from many of
the complex tasks involved in maintaining local infrastructure. I see many benefits
in channeling the efforts of library personnel toward higher-level tasks with more
immediate impact on the library and its users. It is essential, however, to maintain
at least the same thresholds of reliability and performance through any change from
locally housed equipment to services accessed through cloud-computing technolo-
gies. Libraries must be vigilant to ensure that backup and data integrity procedures
offer at least the same level of protection as apply with locally maintained systems.
Moving to cloud computing demands carefully considered disaster response and
recovery planning. This chapter discusses the key issues that should be addressed
and offers some practical advice on disaster planning.
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