Comparative study and review of grid, cloud, utility computing and software as a service for use by libraries

Abstract

Purpose

Grid computing, cloud computing (CC), utility computing and software as a service are emerging technologies predicted to result in massive consolidation as meta‐level computing services of everything beneath one umbrella in the future. The purpose of this study is to foster the understanding and differentiation, by using the three aforementioned types of computing technologies and software, as a service by both public and private libraries to meet their expectations and strategic objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach in this study is a review based on comparing the four computing technologies with a brief analysis for researching and designing the mind map of a new meta‐level computing service approach, taking into consideration the need for new economic tariff and pricing models as well as service‐level agreements.

Findings

Since it is anticipated that there will be likely potential consolidation and integration of computing services, a study of these four most advanced computing technologies and their methodologies is presented through their definition, characteristics, functionalities, advantages and disadvantages. This is a well‐timed technological advancement for libraries.

Practical implications

It appears that the future of library services will become even more integrated, running over CC platforms based on usage rather than just storage of data.

Social implications

Libraries will become an open useful resource to all and sundry in a global context, and that will have huge societal benefits never imagined before.

Originality/value

Concisely addresses the strategies, functional characteristics, advantages and disadvantages by comparing these technologies from several service aspects with a view to assisting in creating the next generation outer space computing.

Citation

Patel, A., Seyfi, A., Tew, Y. and Jaradat, A. (2011), "Comparative study and review of grid, cloud, utility computing and software as a service for use by libraries", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419051111145145