Cindy--
You are right to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage. There are many bullet points on both sides! To give a few examples of both: PRO Realtively cheap for huge amounts of data storage space Your institution does not have to pay for continually updating systems/hardware/software related to servers and desktop computers Potentially very easy access from any web connection CON If the cloud server goes down, you have no ability to fix it. You just have to wait. When your data is off-site with a third party you don't have control over it. You will think you do though! Having mulitple users accessing the same files at the same time can get tricky with off-site storage When I consult on this topic with museums I will have a discussion about how to break apart the storage data into related chuncks. Image databases can be in the Terabyte range. No doubt you have confidential or sensitive records which I would suggest should be stored locally. Ultimately, try not to look at cloud storage as a "yes" or "no" question, but a way to selectively lighten the burden of your in-house system/servers. Best, Adam Mikos -----Original Message----- From: Cindy Mackey [mailto:cmac...@currier.org] Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 09:50 AM To: 'Museum Computer Network Listserv' Subject: [MCN-L] Cloud Computing Our IT department is investigating whether it is beneficial/cost-effective to switch all of our computer use to the cloud. Have any of your institutions completely switched over or is it a mix of cloud computing and onsite servers/software?Cindy MackeyAssociate RegistrarCurrier Museum of Art150 Ash StreetManchester, NH 03104T: 603-669-6144 x137F: 603-669-7194www.currier.orgCONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient (s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message including all attachments._______________________________________________You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu)To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.eduTo unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit:http://mcn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mcn-lThe MCN-L archives can be found at:http://mcn.edu/pipermail/mcn-l/
