Written By: Michael Hughes, Senior Account Manger
Put at its simplest, cloud computing is computing based on the internet. What that means, to the library, is a long list of upsides and benefits for information professionals.
In the past, an Integrated Library System (ILS) required one or more servers onsite, software downloaded (or installed from a CD ROM – remember those?) and a whole host of configuration and network permission settings. Cloud computing allows people access to the same kinds of applications through the internet faster and far more easily. With a Cloud ILS, it becomes possible to by-pass IT and forget about delayed upgrades. Competing priorities, whenever you need help, become distant memories.
In short, Cloud is fast becoming the new normal. Why? We take a look at some of the main reasons in the following list:
Flexibility
Cloud-based ILS services, like Soutron, are ideal for organizations with multiple locations, end users in disparate locations – or both. Staff and end users can securely access the ILS from wherever they are. The service provider does all the heavy lifting so that you can concentrate on being great information professionals!
Automatic software updates
The beauty of cloud computing is that the servers are off-premise, out of sight and out of your hair. Service providers, like Soutron Global, have their technical staff take care of things for you. They can roll out regular software updates – including security updates – so you won’t need to worry about wasting time maintaining the system yourself. This way you can always be on the latest and greatest version and take full advantage of the features that help drive efficient workflows in your library. You look in total control at all times!
No Capital-Expenditure
Running a Cloud ILS negates any need for expensive server hardware. You simply pay as you go and enjoy a subscription-based (or Operational Expense) model that’s kinder to cash flow and budgets. Add to that the ease of setup and ongoing system management – did I mention already that Soutron Global takes care of all that for you? – and suddenly your ILS upgrade has never been easier to adopt.
Work from anywhere
If you’ve got an internet connection you can be updating the catalog, running reports, staying on top of things and generally crushing it.
Disaster recovery
Instead of having to worry about whether you remembered to set your external data backup running – your service provider can take care of all your ILS backups. Your data is secure, encrypted, always on and always available.
Security
Lost laptops are a billion-dollar business problem, in and of them themselves. What price can you put on the sensitive data contained within those laptops? Cloud computing gives you greater security. When you store your data securely in the cloud you can access it no matter what happens to your device.
As you can see from this list, there are many benefits to switching and getting started with an ILS that is hosted in the Cloud.
Learn more about Cloud Hosting solutions here.