Why cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a model for delivering Internet-based information and technology services in real time. It allows users to see the services while the infrastructure that delivers these services remains transparent (or in the "cloud"). More importantly, cloud computing can focus the power of thousands of computers on one problem, allowing researchers to find patterns and make discoveries faster than ever and help build a smarter planet.
Cloud has many benefits for educational institutions. Here are four to consider:
- With cloud computing, universities can open their technology infrastructures to businesses and industries for research advancements.
- The efficiencies of cloud computing can help universities keep pace with ever-growing resource requirements and energy costs.
- The extended reach of cloud computing enables institutions to teach students in new, different ways and help them manage projects and massive workloads.
- When students enter the global workforce they will better understand the value of new technologies.
Featured stories
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IBM Advances Cloud Computing in Education; Unveils IBM Cloud Academy
11 Nov 2009: IBM launched the IBM Cloud Academy, a global forum for educators, researchers and information technology (IT) personnel from the education industry to pursue cloud computing initiatives, develop skills and share best practices for reducing operating costs while improving quality and access to education.
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National Science Foundation boosts IBM/Google university cloud
23 Apr 2009: Grants of nearly five million dollars will enable fourteen universities to participate in the IBM/Google Cloud Computing University Initiative. The initiative will provide the computing infrastructure for leading-edge research projects aimed at a better understanding of our planet, our bodies, and the Internet.
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Kogakuin University in Japan will manage its infrastructure using a public IBM cloud
17 Apr 2009: Kogakuin University, a school in Tokyo, plans to transform its back-office infrastructure through cloud computing services or "shared hosting" from IBM Global Technology Services.
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Six universities leverage IBM Blue Cloud to solve real-world problems
26 Jan 2009: Universities in Qatar, Africa, and Japan will use cloud computing to accelerate research initiatives that were once constrained by time, unavailable resources, and maxed-out systems.
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Harvard and IBM using a cloud to advance research on solar energy
08 Dec 2008: Researchers are launching a new World Community Grid project to discover organic materials to create a more efficient and lower cost solar cell.
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NCSU extends educational resources worldwide with cloud computing
24 Oct 2008: North Carolina State University plans to provide students with access to advanced educational resources through their Virtual Computing Lab.
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Google and IBM collaborate on Internet-scale cloud computing
08 Oct 2007: This jointly established initiative promotes new software development methods to help students and researchers address the challenges of Internet-scale applications.