Introduction to Cloud Computing

Abstract

Cloud computing is not a brand new type of computing, but it is emerging in the mainstream as a powerful and important force of change in the way we manage information and consume and provide information services. This is an introduction to the landscape of cloud computing, the characteristics by which it is defined, and its strengths and its weaknesses. This is also an initial foray into the life of the cloud for medical libraries, a foray that will be completed in follow-up columns.

KEYWORDS:

• cloud computing
• computer networks
• Internet

Notes

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the incoming Column Editor: J. Dale Prince ([email protected]).