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Navigating the Challenges of the Cloud

Cloud computing is increasingly popular in education. Cloud computing is “the delivery of computer services from vast warehouses of shared machines [that] enables companies and individuals to cut costs by handing over the running of their email, customer databases or accounting software to someone else, and then accessing it over the internet” (“Unlocking the Cloud” 2009). Simply put, this means software and data are accessed through the Internet rather than a local hard drive. Part of the popularity is the convenience cloud computing provides. It tends to make collaboration easier and often removes the need for specialized software. Most cloud systems simply require a Web browser to be accessed from any computer. But while the cloud has made many activities easier, it also has some serious, potentially negative implications that often are not fully addressed within the general conversations about cloud computing. Before discussing the potential pitfalls of the cloud, it seems only fair to address the positive aspects. For instance, it is becoming an almost ubiquitous part of computing. Nelson (2009) estimates that more than 80% of the world’s computing and data storage could occur within a cloud environment within the next five years. Jaeger, Lin, and Grimes (2008) point out the computer processing power and data storage available within a cloud environment, making what was once an expensive investment proposition affordable to less resource rich groups like small businesses, nonprofits, and, of course, academics. They also point out that cloud services also serve as technical administrators, often eliminating the need for a local IT hiring line or helping to alleviate the workload on an existing IT department. Still, despite these benefits, there are some dangers when dealing with cloud computing that often are not fully addressed in the zeal to capitalize on its benefits.