| 摘要: | Cloud computing is a new internet technology which describes computation, software, data access, and storage services. It does not require end-user information of the exact location and configuration of the system that delivers the services. The primary cloud services to date are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a service (SaaS). After the dot-com bubble, Amazon has first demonstrated a success cloud computing realization by modernizing their data centers, and it is proved that the new cloud architecture resulted in significant internal efficiency improvements. In 2008, Gartner has observed that organizations are switching from company-owned hardware and software assets to per-use service-based models, which result in dramatic growth in IT products in some areas. In general, resources can be utilized with greater efficiency, and there is considerable upside potential for higher growth. In fact, cloud service was selected by CIOs the most often and among the top-two technologies in 2011.
After joining WTO, Taiwan higher education institutions not only face international competition, but also are threatened by the few-generating of the change of population structure. Formulating some effective and appropriate strategies can increase the revenue for the university and maintain the sustainable value of the school. The adaptation of external and internal environment change and formulating the appropriate strategy may lead universities to the direction of sustainability. The potential advantages for cloud computing are easy access, lower cost for the implementation of hardware, software, and License for all. The authors argue that the emergence of cloud computing as a new potential remedy for higher education application. In conclusion, it is believed that cloud computing opens a new window for future higher education; it will surely improve education quality at an affordable cost and hence enhances the competitiveness of higher education institutions.
In this article, the authors first briefly introduce the history and essence of cloud computing, followed by the background of current situation of Taiwan higher
education. Some possible cloud applications for higher education and some of notable examples of education use are discussed in the following section. In the fourth section, a cloud computing architecture for campus is proposed. In conclusion, the authors believed that cloud computing opens a new window for
future higher education; it will surely improve education quality at an affordable cost and hence enhances the competitiveness of higher education institutions. |
