This week, for the 1%, I want you to read the blog post entitled `Ultra Lean Government – Open source best practices and the Cloud` found at this source.
http://www.sys-con.com/node/1608498
LINK
The Cloud represents a major change in how we interact with software such as ArcGIS or MapInfo. After reading this article please give your thoughts on the benefits and challenges represented by a mass-migration to cloud computing. The campus students have some experience with the cloud so any insights learned would be helpful.
Please make sure you post your comments by Friday of this week (28th) - posts after Friday will not receive the 1% mark.
Paul
If anyone has had a chance to play around or see the use of ArcGIS Online in action they will soon realise the huge benefits innovations in cloud computing has brought to the GIS community. ArcGIS Online enables many of the basic functions of ArcGIS for desktop, including many of its typical analytic features. Despite lacking many of the much more advanced ones, it is clear that ESRI is aiming to bring the whole desktop suites features online in the future which I'm really excited about!
ReplyDeleteAnother aspect of the cloud I'm a huge fan of is storing your data on it! The times of storing your data on a USB pen (which I'm sure everyone has experienced losing or becoming corrupt over time) are truly behind us! Although I'm not making direct use of ArcGIS Online, I use Dropbox to store all my data so I can easily work with it on regular desktop computer but also my laptop! The main challenge I foresee to the cloud movement however is company data protection policies. Many will definitely feel more in control of their data storing it in house as opposed to an outside third party server, regardless of any potential financial cost-benefit analysis.
Hi Gavin, not just losing the USB pen or it becoming corrupt, by the time I get it plugged in (try one way - doesn't go in, flip it over - doesn't go in, flip it over again - doesn't go in etc) I am ready to chuck it out the window!! lol!!
DeleteCloud based mapping applications such as ArcGIS Online over many benefits to organisations. Creating and storing the data online frees up companies and oranisations servers, While publishin maps online allows everyone in a company/organisation to view it without the need for software on their computer.
ReplyDeleteSome companies may be hesitant to entrust their data with a third party for security reasons.
Other companies may also be slow to make the move because of the costs associated.
Cloud computing brings great benefits to all kinds of software developers including opensource GIS developers. It makes their products more accessible facilitating better engagement with potential users. It is also of great benefit to business using opensource, freely available software and data. The ability access files and software from desktop and mobile devices is a great benefit to everyday users too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, making the data and software available also has it's challenges. As both Gavin and Declan mentioned above there is a security risk associated with making them available on the cloud. Information is power and it is my experience that some organisations are very reluctant to compromise security over other benefits such as efficiency when it comes to making data more available internally and externally.
Technology is advancing quicker than some businesses, organisations and governments can keep up with and with change comes risk. So as the article mentions we need more examples or case studies of best practice to demonstrate to government departments and other organisations the benefits of cloud computing including the security measures that can be put in place to protect their data and software.
By applying good common sense I would imagine most companies would be keen to get on board with the cloud and start exploiting the benefits it can bring to their business.
The idea behind cloud computing is very positive as it frees up space and money when servers do not have to be stored onsite in controlled environemnts to store all of a company's data. Access to cloud storage in Government will free the various Departments up from using shared drives linked to large servers, sending data back and forth via hardrives and DVDs etc as the cloud will store data centrally with a third party who will be responsible for storage, maintenance and all other costs.
ReplyDeleteHowever, few companies have confidence in the security associated with the cloud as they feel it will make their systems too vulnerable and so will not trust the Cloud enough to implement it. Many companies will not even permit employees to download files from a web service never mind store all of their data on a Cloud. Also, if it will be expensive to initiate, many companies will favour their existing systems, especially in Government where funding is difficult to acquire and access to data is already rigorously controlled, never mind if all data is to be stored on something as open as the cloud.
Perhaps in the future the cloud will be more viable but for now, the idea of Cloud Computing is going to be a slowly advancing system in larger companies and Government unless there are new, rigorous security controls introduced that will assure users their data is completely secure.
Cloud computing, as all technologies has its positives and negatives though with cloud computing the positives have a great benefit to users. As Gavin and Ailbhe have mentioned above, the ability to store data using cloud is great. Being able to free up space and money on company servers and having data stored in a controlled environment. It also removes the vulnerabilities of having to physically move data from one site to another. Another positive is that by storing data in a cloud network, such as ArcGIS Online, is that everyone within that network (ie within an organisation/company) can view the data, such as published maps as it is located in one central location, without the need for each workstation to have ArcMap loaded onto it.
ReplyDeleteAgain, with most new technologies, there is the problem of security and that companies and organisations at the moment may not trust the security associated with cloud computing as they may feel it could be vulnerable to hackers and those gaining access from outside their company/organisation.
In Ireland the key driver of eGovernment Strategy 2012-2015 is enhancement of public service delivery and making sure citizens and business have access to range of services through multiple channels. This can be achieved through improved data sharing across Public Service thereby developing more integrated approach. Since downturn of Irish economy and global economy in 2008, it is increasingly important to do more with less resource (Value for Money) available to government.
ReplyDeleteIn the face of this cost saving measure, public and private organisations are beginning to look at strategy for the implementation of Cloud computer technology in their business. Cloud computer offer a great savings in the multiplications of software, hardware, manpower and Information technology infrastructure. For Instance the recently launch ARCGIS online and Microsoft office 365 allow organisations to use proprietary software online without necessary to purchase a standalone software for the organisation. There is a great saving on time and money spends through the installation of multiple software.
Just like any new and emerging technology, cloud computing is facing challenges of implementation and scepticism in areas of security, legalities, jurisdiction, availability and reliability, and pricing models that provide definitive and sustained value.
Cloud computing has both pros and cons, obviously privacy is a serious issue, but on the other hand there are massive gains to be had from being able to store everything on the cloud, this in terms of costs and storage capacity as well as centrality. Obvously, the open source aspect of it has benefits touched upon before, but all in all it seems like a very good development.
ReplyDeleteAs been previously mentioned cloud systems do have their pros and cons and reiterating what has been said the main con currently does relate back to privacy although developements have seen this improve and will only get better. With these development cloud services are becoming more attractive to business and organisations to use. Cloud systems are the new innotative way of computing. Operating systems and sofware are now all offering cloud systems for there flexibilty allowing data and programmes to be licensed to a person and not to a machine decrease down time as it can be used in any location on any machine.
ReplyDeleteCloud systems also allow for programmes to be offered as a one off service organistaions dont have to purchase large pieces of software for 1 or 2 times use when then could pay for the service on a cloud system. Esri are now offering a cloud allowing all functionality of there desktop package and 'pay as you go' system for extensions which previously have annual fees.
I believe that the pros of migrating to cloud sytems greatly out way the cons. The efficiency of being able to access your data through a license from virtually anywhere at anytime is possibly the greatest benefit of cloud systems. Also by upgrading systems to cloud supported formats, a firm can create drastic savings on manpower by increasing productivity in relation to a particular cloud based project, accessible 24hrs a day.
ReplyDeleteCloud computing offers great benefits for businesses and organisations with cost-savings, being able to work faster and for less will improve services hugely. It will undoubtedly take time and convincing for companies to adopt this method due to privacy and security aspects but as Claire mentioned with the use of case studies and more information on the benefits of cloud computing I think it will be the norm in the very near future.
ReplyDeleteThe Cloud can offer lots of pros for business the most obvious is the savings in Storage of the data. As has been mentioned, the ability to access information from anywhere is an invaluable advantage and will increase work efficiency (although for the work-aholics, it means there is no reason to stop working,,,,good thing?)
ReplyDeleteSecurity is a big issue, but at least it will stop personal information being left on trains...seriously though, Web-based GIS, GoogleStreetView etc all have issues with privacy and security, perhaps for this new information era we need to redefine what privacy is and how we make that secure.
I think the Cloud is a great technological advancement, with an appropriate funky name that will positively affect the normal working day to day work tasks.
I echo the above comments. Cloud Computing has a range of benefits. Included in these is fantastic access for the user, greater affordability for the developer, and it makes expansion a lot easier. I suppose it quite surprising it’s taken this long to get big and I guess there is a still a long way to go, but working for a small organization I do appreciate how tough it is to take that step to upgrade when there has been so much effort and expense poured into current hardware systems.
ReplyDeletePersonally I use “Dropbox” and look forward to exploring the functionality the cloud offers GIS.
The Cloud is great, I love the Cloud...I use it to save all my coursework on (so I can switch between my pc and laptop) and I love all the shared data that we get via ArcGIS Online into ArcGIS 10.x. It has the potential to really boost smaller businesses as well as bigger organisations financially as more data becomes "Open" or otherwise shared.
ReplyDeleteThere's three main issues and I have unfortunately experienced them all!:
1) Security - as mentioned above, there are many organisations whose security departments will have an apoplectic fit if the merest suggestion of anything other than on-site in-house servers being used. These are the companies who block their employees from accessing personal emails, social media websites, blogs and file-sharing websites (eg: no Dropbox, blogger or uni email for me at work). The big worry for any organisation who deals with information is about the aggregation of information. For example, where I work, a map with building numbers on it is entirely benign, but if you combine that with a document produced separately which describes the processes in that building then you have a security issue. I can imagine that having that kind of information all in the Cloud together would not be considered A Good Thing.
2) Data that is shared on the Cloud can suddenly become inaccessible and is not controlled by the user. A good example is the Bing remote sensing imagery that was available through ArcGIS Online. After using it for months it was suddenly not available any more... cue broken links in maps which took ages to load because they were hunting for the file :(
3) Something I don't think anyone has mentioned - the Cloud requires an internet connection to access it - and a decent one at that! The area I live in still has people on <1meg connections. Imagine trying to use or even download a raster file across that.
I can't see any kind of mass-migration happening any time soon. At least not in the industry I am in.
Nicky thats a great point about internet access, I know my internet connection is not always great, the swirly beach ball appears way to often.
DeleteSwirly beach balls aren't a good thing :(
DeleteCloud computing has its positives and negatives and I feel the positives have a great benefit to users. As Gavin and the others have said the ability to store data using cloud is great Also the benefit of accessing this shared data will be much better as on the ArcGIS Online can be done on any location using your account details and can be shared with anyone publically or only within an organisation. One problem that could occur is security because there are companies and organisations that may not trust the security but I think that cloud computing is definitely a positive and will be even more influential as it develops
ReplyDeleteCloud computing gives users great a great way of accessing their material from anywhere in the world, assuming that an internet connect is available of course. It frees up having to use portable storage devices, something which of course I'm sure most people are prone to misplacing. The assurance that data can be stored remotely on servers via a third party is a huge boost.
ReplyDeleteHowever, issues have been highlighted regarding privacy and security, not just throughout this blog but further afield. Ways of addressing security issues can be found here - http://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/sep/05/cloud-computing-security-protect-data .
With this being said mass-migration to the Cloud will be difficult as most companies will prefer to be in control of their data "in-house" as opposed to their data being stored off site, regardless of the financial gains that can be made.
I agree with most of what has been posted above. Cloud computing is certainly very useful and convenient and is changing the way we buy and/or use software. Reading the article, I was reminded of the PPARS scandal about 10 years ago when the Health Service Executive spent a few hundred million euro on a new system that was going to manage payroll and various other processes right across the organisation. It was supposed to be more efficient and cost-effective. It tooks years, and lots of money, to roll-out the system and only then was it discovered that it didn't work. I can certainly see the advantage of cloud-based systems, in particular the speed with which innovations can be designed and implemented in an organisation.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure whether the cloud is any more suspectible to piracy/hacking that any other server-based system connected to the internet. What makes the difference is that it is perceived as being less secure and that's enough in itself to slow the adoption of cloud computing, particularly in the public sector. There is a very strong onus on public sector bodies to store their data securely because much of it is very sensitive, relating to people's health, employment, social welface entitlements etc. Even if the cloud was proven to be secure, there would still be reservations about entrusting the storage of this data to a third party. Perhaps the development of a government-hosted cloud service for exclusive use by public sector bodies would be a workable compromise, giving the benefits of the cloud but with the state still maintaining control?
Nicky hit on a very important point - you need an internet connection (and a good one at that). In Ireland, that generally means that any business outside of a major town or city will struggle, and of course, if the internet connection goes down for any reason you suddenly have a whole office full of people who can't do any work. Extrapolate that to a large public sector body and you'll find the loss of productivity would have bought you a whole load of new servers.
I agree with the points made my all above. The cloud is a great way to share and access data from anywhere with internet access. There will always be an issue with security, but that is something that will never change when dealing with data.
ReplyDeleteCloud computing is great in terms of saving money on storage hardware and there is no limit on capacity. As the information is accessible online it removes time and geographic barriers which is an advantage for international companies. I think its a good way to back up any data you want to save however there is the issue of security as mentioned by others and technical problems may mean your data becomes temporarily unavailable. Due to the security issue I don't imagine many companies will be making the move just yet.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I am very interested in the concept of Cloud Community. I can see endless and unexpected uses, especially in relation to GIS.
ReplyDeleteI found this guidance on Community Mapping and Participatory GIS, if you are interested: http://ownersguidefree.net/borderlands-2-strategy-guide. It contains some examples of how to engage the wider local community in local flooding strategy which could be translate into Could Community application.
I can see the full potential GIS Could Community application being developed more easily and probably speedily for public governance purposes. It is more likely that money and resources are plough where there is a prominent interest in reaching a wider audience, in particular where community liaison is a mandatory part of the decision making process .
I can see businesses struggling a little bit more before embracing this new way of gathering spatial information and making business. I am thinking about the company I work for. It would require a shift in the way of thinking, and perceiving data protection, which is still years to come.
I have to say I am very interested in the concept of Cloud Community. I can see endless and unexpected uses, especially in relation to GIS.
ReplyDeleteI found this guidance on Community Mapping and Participatory GIS, if you are interested: http://ownersguidefree.net/borderlands-2-strategy-guide. It contains some examples of how to engage the wider local community in local flooding strategy which could be translate into Could Community application.
I can see the full potential GIS Could Community application being developed more easily and probably speedily for public governance purposes. It is more likely that money and resources are plough where there is a prominent interest in reaching a wider audience, in particular where community liaison is a mandatory part of the decision making process .
I can see businesses struggling a little bit more before embracing this new way of gathering spatial information and making business. I am thinking about the company I work for. It would require a shift in the way of thinking, and perceiving data protection, which is still years to come.
Much of what I would have said has been covered! That's what you get for coming to the party late! I have a couple of concerns, the first relates to the reliability of our internet connections, as was rightly pointed out no internet no cloud. My second bigger concern is privacy and security of information. Thanks to Snowden we are aware of the secret programmes (Tempora and Prism) that both the American and British spy agencies were/are engaged in. Cloud storage would no doubt be targeted. And my last concern is the use clouds may contribute to the easy facilitation of hot desking for the workers concerned. I wouldn't fancy working for a company where you weren't guaranteed a computer of your own and hence a desk. At least if your work is on a hard drive you would have a desk to call your own.
ReplyDeleteCloud computing has both its positives and negatives but personally I think there are more positives. The entire infrastructure has improved vastly in recent years and can only continue to improve. Of course internet connections will provide a real stumbling block but this is also improving. The accessibility of data and the ability to share information seamlessly is great but the privacy issues of holding vast amounts of data in the cloud worries me.
ReplyDeleteCloud computing has been integral in geospatial technology over the last couple of years. Geospatial information being stored/operated in the cloud makes it easier for others to access information on a daily basis. As stated by others in this blog, ArcGIS online is a great application as your able to access so many different datasets across the world in a simple easy way.
ReplyDeleteThe only negative i can see from cloud computing is it the fact that internet access is needed in order to avail of the service. However some believe that cloud computing has concerns about privacy, lack of physical access control, and data control.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving to make our day-to-day tasks easier, it only makes sense that cloud services will continue to evolve and improve.
I personally love using the cloud to store data, Dropbox is so convenient for switching between devices without remembering things like a USB drive, its also great for version control. There's a few problems though:
ReplyDeleteInternet access isn't global yet.
Data stored in the cloud isn't actually yours if its stored in another country.
People like the idea of having their own data on their own device, even though this isn't as practical as using the cloud.
I think a mass migration to the data is a long way off, and it won't ever do away with local data storage.
I personally think cloud computing is great and it really does allow information to be shared more easily between people. It used to be that not everyone could do this easily as not everyone had the internet but internet coverage has extended to pretty much everywhere and mobile phone providers are even providing internet connection on the move. As Liam has mentioned there are privacy issues associated with information being held in clouds, who really has access to it, and where does it go when it is deleted etc. However, if we trust the providers we should be pretty safe that it is being held securely and not falling into hands it shouldn't. Kevin has also given the example of Dropbox which is great too.
ReplyDeleteWhilst there are risks, I believe it is the way forward!
Cloud computing is probably the most cost efficient method to use, maintain and upgrade. Traditional desktop software costs companies a lot in terms of finance. Adding up the licensing fees for multiple users can prove to be very expensive for the establishment concerned. In the cloud, software integration is usually something that occurs automatically. This means that you do not need to take additional efforts to customize and integrate your applications as per your preferences. There are however some drawbacks to cloud computing. Though it is true that information and data on the cloud can be accessed anytime and from anywhere at all, there are times when this system can have some serious dysfunction.The other major issue while in the cloud is that of security issues. Before adopting this technology, you should know that you will be surrendering all your company’s sensitive information to a third-party cloud service provider.
ReplyDelete