Cloud computing is an emerging trend that is quickly changing how information is shared. "The Cloud" is a difficult concept to nail down and can mean different things to different people. At a very basic level "the cloud" is anything that can be stored or submitted in a virtual space via the internet. However, this is a very basic definition and by no means all encompassing. Since cloud computing is a new concept, we can expect more possibilities  as time passes.

At present there are three major uses for cloud computing: Software as a service (SaaS), utility computing and managed service providers (MSP). These branch off into many different sub categories, but these are the major contenders. SaaS is a fast-growing and popular choice for many consumers and businesses. This option allows a single application to be accessed via the Internet and does not require software licensing. Essentially, for the consumer, this option provides support from the vendor and requires very little, if any maintenance. Some ILS vendors are leaning towards SaaS for smaller libraries that cannot afford to purchase servers.

Utility computing in currently used by IT personnel as a virtual datacenter for data storage and virtualization over a network. This option is great if a facility is short on space or cannot afford more servers. This application is easily transferrable to library environments.

MSP is essentially applications intended for IT personnel, such as desktop management and anti-spam monitoring. This is a broad category that has been around for a while and provides a base for many different applications.

This is just a brief overview of cloud computing and it will be the purpose of this project to continue exploring this topic. This is a very exciting development in the history of information science and it will be an interesting journey.

Gruman, Galen & Knorr, Eric. What Cloud Computing really means. InfoWorld.