Cloud Computing in KAUST Library: Beyond Remote Hosting

Enterprise computing is the key strategic approach for KAUST to build its modern IT landscape. In such a strategic direction and technical environment, the library tries to establish library technology by catching new trends which help to make the library more efficient and sufficient. This paper focuses on the cloud computing development in the KAUST library, by using real world scenarios and first-hand experiences to describe what cloud computing means for KAUST library. It addresses the difficulties that were met by the library during the implementation process, how cloud computing affects the functional performance and work procedure of the library, how it impacts the style and modal of the library’s technical service and systems administration, how it changes the relationships and cooperation among the involved players (the library, campus IT and vendors), and what the benefits and disadvantages are. The story of cloud computing at KAUST will share the knowledge and lessons that the KAUST library learnt during its development, and will also point out the future direction of cloud computing at KAUST.