Hi Davy,
First beer for sure!
Jimbo.
On 25/5/08 13:01, "Dave Taylor" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 24 May 2008, at 00:01, MCG automatic digest system <[log in to unmask]
>> wrote:
>
>> There are 8 messages totalling 881 lines in this issue.
>>
>> Topics of the day:
>>
>> 1. Collections Management Systems as hosted applications (7)
>> 2. Heritage Info Post in Suffolk- £28,k 3 yrs
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 09:53:34 +0100
>> From: Tony Crockford <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> On 21 May 2008, at 23:18, Nick Poole wrote:
>>>
>>> - Is anyone on the list using a Collections Management
>>> System under an Application Service Provider model?
>>>
>>>
>>> - Are any software developers on the list already providing
>>> or planning to provide such a service?
>>
>> Qurator, our collections management system, currently being developed
>> with user input from the Black Country Living Museum, is browser based
>> and runs from a local web server[1]. (and therefore accessible on any
>> device that runs a web browser - including iPod Touch!)
>>
>> We could effectively roll the application out as an ASP. I suspect we
>> may not, in order to allow individual users to retain sense of
>> ownership.
>>
>> Interesting discussion.
>>
>> ;o)
>>
>>
>> --
>> Development Director
>> Xebit Ltd.
>> 328 Hurcott Road
>> Kidderminster DY10 2QX
>> http://www.xebit.net
>> company no. 04428505 VAT no. 784 1423 25
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [1] but could run from Internet accessible server, or even standalone
>> on a laptop or personal computer.
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:05:54 +0100
>> From: "Ottevanger, Jeremy" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> Cool, fancy tweaking it to go on a memory stick and putting it on
>> PortableApps.com? :-)
>>
>> Jeremy=20
>>
>>
>>
>> Jeremy Ottevanger
>> Web Developer, Museum Systems Team
>> Museum of London Group
>> 46 Eagle Wharf Road
>> London. N1 7ED
>> Tel: 020 7410 2207
>> Fax: 020 7600 1058
>> Email: [log in to unmask]
>> www.museumoflondon.org.uk
>> Museum of London is changing. Visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk to
>> find =
>> out more.
>> Explore how the Great Fire shaped the city =
>> www.museumoflondon.org.uk/londonsburning
>> Jack the Ripper and the East End a major new exhibition at Museum in =
>> Docklands, opens 15 May
>> Before printing, please think about the environment
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>> Tony Crockford
>> Sent: 23 May 2008 09:54
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [MCG] Collections Management Systems as hosted
>> applications
>>
>> On 21 May 2008, at 23:18, Nick Poole wrote:
>>>
>>> - Is anyone on the list using a Collections Management =20
>>> System under an Application Service Provider model?
>>>
>>>
>>> - Are any software developers on the list already
>>> providing =20
>>> or planning to provide such a service?
>>
>> Qurator, our collections management system, currently being developed
>> with user input from the Black Country Living Museum, is browser based
>> and runs from a local web server[1]. (and therefore accessible on any
>> device that runs a web browser - including iPod Touch!)
>>
>> We could effectively roll the application out as an ASP. I suspect we
>> may not, in order to allow individual users to retain sense of
>> ownership.
>>
>> Interesting discussion.
>>
>> ;o)
>>
>>
>> --
>> Development Director
>> Xebit Ltd.
>> 328 Hurcott Road
>> Kidderminster DY10 2QX
>> http://www.xebit.net
>> company no. 04428505 VAT no. 784 1423 25
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [1] but could run from Internet accessible server, or even
>> standalone =20
>> on a laptop or personal computer.
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list, visit
>> the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:21:39 +0100
>> From: Tony Crockford <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> On 23 May 2008, at 11:05, Ottevanger, Jeremy wrote:
>>
>>> Cool, fancy tweaking it to go on a memory stick and putting it on
>>> PortableApps.com? :-)
>>
>> That might be a step too far...
>>
>> It currently uses Apache/MySQL/PHP and ImageMagick (for unlimited =20
>> images per object), no doubt it could be done but I suspect data =20
>> storage would then become the issue.
>>
>> Collections management on a stick? Hmm=85 What would that be worth =
>> then?
>>
>> ;)=
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:42:02 +0100
>> From: "Ottevanger, Jeremy" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> Ah go on, you know you want to!
>>
>> I'd pay =A39.99 for the stick, at least....
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
>> Of =
>> Tony Crockford
>> Sent: 23 May 2008 11:22
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [MCG] Collections Management Systems as hosted
>> applications
>>
>> On 23 May 2008, at 11:05, Ottevanger, Jeremy wrote:
>>
>>> Cool, fancy tweaking it to go on a memory stick and putting it on=20
>>> PortableApps.com? :-)
>>
>> That might be a step too far...
>>
>> It currently uses Apache/MySQL/PHP and ImageMagick (for unlimited
>> images =
>> per object), no doubt it could be done but I suspect data storage
>> would =
>> then become the issue.
>>
>> Collections management on a stick? Hmm... What would that be worth =
>> then?
>>
>> ;)
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit =
>> the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:33:30 +0100
>> From: Jack Latimer <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> On 21 May 2008, at 23:18, Nick Poole wrote:
>>>
>>> - Are any software developers on the list already providing
>>> or planning to provide such a service?
>>
>>
>> As a straightforward low-cost solution for cataloguing, we've
>> developed
>> browser-based cataloguing software that supports ISAD(G) and exports
>> EAD and
>> other formats. We're using this for community archiving projects,
>> where
>> groups of volunteers are cataloguing a collection, which is then
>> checked by
>> the local archivist before being imported via EAD into CALM. We'll
>> also
>> make the system capable of supporting Dublin Core Simple.
>>
>> Currently, it's being used by a small number of community heritage
>> projects,
>> but we plan to roll it out as an ASP.
>>
>>
>> Jack Latimer
>>
>> www.communitysites.co.uk
>> Award-winning websites for museums, archives and community groups
>>
>> Tel: 0845 6801542
>> Mob: 07977 445709
>>
>> CommunitySites
>>
>> 85 Chester Terrace
>> Brighton
>> East Sussex
>> BN1 6GD
>>
>> Reg address: 2 Brunswick Terrace, Brighton, East Sussex.
>> Company no: 5697476.
>>
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:37:51 +0100
>> From: Nick Tyson <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> Hi Mike, Nick, etc
>>
>> All good points and an interesting topic.
>>
>> It seems to me that the 'system' should both offer 'in the cloud'
>> and =20=
>>
>> 'in my office' functionality? I can see no reason that these can't
>> be =20=
>>
>> married together (the server based information packaged and ported =20
>> back to the individual's machine). That way people can feel that
>> they =20=
>>
>> have the security of a locally held copy.
>>
>> I'm certain it's true that the data would actually be more secure on
>> =20
>> Amazon S3 but, for a whole bunch of reasons, I would predict that =20
>> locally held info. is going to remain important to many people in
>> the =20=
>>
>> community for a very long time.
>>
>> Best
>>
>> Nick Tyson
>>
>> The Regency Town House
>> 13 Brunswick Square
>> Hove
>> BN3 1EH
>> UK
>>
>> Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1273 206306
>> email: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 22 May 2008, at 09:56, Mike Ellis wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Nick
>>>
>>> Great question, and thanks for asking it...
>>>
>>> The "in the cloud" stuff is very interesting: conceptually, SaaS is
>>> =20=
>>
>>> the
>>> only way to go for all the reasons you outline in your email:
>>> centralised, manageable, cheap, single development path. You also =20
>>> missed
>>> a big one - it would also allow for a very interesting collaborative
>>> environment. Imagine - for instance - that your CM system had the =20
>>> option
>>> to "expose object to other curators" so you could ask questions of
>>> =20
>>> other
>>> museum experts "in the cloud". And then consider the social (public)
>>> aspects as well...?
>>>
>>> The issues that Seb raised are very real - computing in the cloud is
>>> still (no matter how good our bandwidth is right now) slower than
>>> desktop, especially with images or media files. However, I do think
>>> =20=
>>
>>> that
>>> good, contingency-based systems can be specified with these network
>>> issues in mind. For example it'd seem sensible to design systems that
>>> allow for local editing of assets, but have cloud storage built in. I
>>> use a couple of systems for instance (Carbonite and SugarSync) that -
>>> very effectively - sync data from my various computers to the =20
>>> cloud. In
>>> a badly designed system, I'd notice ("sorry, bandwidth is being
>>> hogged
>>> by system X"), but instead these "trickle" data up to the cloud and
>>> provide clever UI's that let you work with files even while they're
>>> being synced.
>>>
>>> With the continuing growth of WPF and Adobe AIR (see previous =20
>>> thread on
>>> MCG), the desktop/cloud divide is getting more and more blurred: =20
>>> system
>>> designers are caching locally, uploading during "quiet" times, =20
>>> providing
>>> interfaces that only ask for the specific asset (or segment of asset)
>>> that you're working on right now. It's only going to get more =20
>>> pervasive,
>>> but the systems need designing with realities in mind: managing your
>>> 50Mb TIFF file in the cloud is going to be a nightmare unless these
>>> realities are taken into account.
>>>
>>> The other massive issue I think is a "soft" one: not the DP issues
>>> (these can be solved), nor the security issues (these too have/can be
>>> solved) - instead it's about "my stuff being OUT THERE somewhere =20
>>> rather
>>> than in a machine that I can see". It's deeply unsettling
>>> psychologically for the current generation of computer users to =20
>>> envisage
>>> a truly "thin client" scenario. In all reality, your data is going
>>> =20
>>> to be
>>> way, way safer on Amazon S3 than on some dodgy 8-year old, non-=20
>>> backed up
>>> server in the middle of your museum somewhere...BUT...it just feels
>>> weird for it to be "in the cloud", doesn't it?? I'm geektastic and I
>>> struggled with this:
>>> http://electronicmuseum.org.uk/2007/08/10/archiving-data-to-the-=20
>>> cloud/.
>>> System design can go a certain distance to helping this, but humans
>>> =20=
>>
>>> need
>>> some stroking, too...
>>>
>>> Ultimately [finally gets to the point], yes, I'll put my neck on the
>>> line and say that pretty much EVERY system will or should end up in
>>> =20=
>>
>>> the
>>> cloud, including museum CM systems. But it'll need some very clever
>>> UI
>>> and system design - not to mention stroking - to get us there.
>>>
>>> Cheers
>>>
>>> Mike
>>>
>>>
>>> Mike Ellis
>>> Professional Services Group
>>>
>>> Eduserv
>>> [log in to unmask]
>>> tel: 01225 470522
>>> mob: 07017 031522
>>> fax: 01225 474301
>>> www.eduserv.org.uk
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>>> Nick Poole
>>> Sent: 21 May 2008 23:19
>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>> Subject: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>>
>>> Dear MCGer's,
>>>
>>> I was wondering whether I could enlist your help in a research paper
>>> which the Collections Trust is considering at the moment. We are =20
>>> looking
>>> into the potential for museums to move towards the use of Collections
>>> Management Systems as remotely hosted, browser-accessible =20
>>> applications.
>>>
>>> With the rise of utility computing and improvements in bandwidth, it
>>> seems as though many industries are revisiting the Application
>>> Service
>>> Provider model
>>> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_Service_Provider) as a
>>> cost-effective way of managing both applications and data. On the
>>> face
>>> of it, there are some appealing benefits to the ASP (not Active
>>> Server
>>> Pages) model for Collections Management Systems. These include:
>>>
>>>
>>> * Centralising (and therefore simplifying) the upgrade path
>>> =20=
>>
>>> for
>>> software
>>>
>>> * Enabling developers to rollout extensions to functionality
>>> globally across their client base
>>>
>>> * Reducing the requirement for local data storage and =20
>>> management
>>>
>>> * Potentially facilitating the processes of Digital =20
>>> Preservation
>>> for museum data
>>>
>>> * Potential cost-savings on technical support and development
>>>
>>> On the other hand, there is the risk that museums could perceive a
>>> =20
>>> move
>>> towards an ASP-based CMS as a loss of control or potentially =20
>>> integration
>>> with other museum systems, or that connectivity isn't robust enough
>>> provide a service as reliable as a Local Area Network/client-side
>>> application.
>>>
>>> The cost-savings and efficiency gains of this development could
>>> potentially be significant, but at the moment we have no clear =20
>>> evidence
>>> about how this model might be/is being applied. I would therefore
>>> welcome any and all thoughts or comments on this issue, and
>>> particularly:
>>>
>>>
>>> - Is anyone on the list using a Collections Management
>>> System
>>> under an Application Service Provider model?
>>>
>>>
>>> - Are any software developers on the list already =20
>>> providing or
>>> planning to provide such a service?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> - What do people think would be the reaction to this if it
>>> =20=
>>
>>> were
>>> to become a clear direction of travel for information systems?
>>>
>>> Hope you don't mind acting as a reference group, but if there's
>>> sufficient interest, we'll follow up with some concerted research and
>>> publish a paper on it later in the year.
>>>
>>> With thanks,
>>>
>>> Nick
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Nick Poole
>>> Chief Executive
>>> Collections Trust
>>>
>>> www.collectionstrust.org.uk
>>> www.collectionslink.org.uk
>>> www.cuturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk
>>>
>>>
>>> Tel: 01223 316028
>>> Fax: 01223 364658
>>>
>>>
>>> Until the end of April 2008, the Collections Trust's legal trading
>>> =20
>>> name
>>> is: MDA (Europe) Ltd
>>> Company Registration No: 1300565
>>> Reg. Office: 22 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1JP.
>>>
>>> The Collections Trust believes that everybody, everywhere should have
>>> the right to access and benefit from cultural collections. Our aim
>>> =20
>>> is to
>>> develop programmes and standards which help connect people and =20
>>> culture.
>>>
>>> The Collections Trust was launched from its predecessor body, the
>>> MDA,
>>> in March 2008.
>>>
>>>
>>> **************************************************
>>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>>> visit
>>> the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>>> **************************************************
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Unless otherwise agreed expressly in writing by a senior manager of
>>> Eduserv, this communication is to be treated as confidential and the
>>> information in it may not be used or disclosed except for the purpose
>>> for which it has been sent.
>>> If you have reason to believe that you are not the intended recipient
>>> of this communication, please contact the sender immediately.
>>> No employee or agent is authorised to enter into any binding
>>> agreement
>>> or contract on behalf of Eduserv or Eduserv Technologies Ltd., unless
>>> that agreement is subsequently confirmed by the conclusion of a =20
>>> written
>>> contract or the issue of a purchase order.
>>> Eduserv (Limited by Guarantee) =96 company number 3763109 - and
>>> Eduserv Technologies Ltd =96 company number =96 4256630 - are both
>>> companies incorporated in England and Wales and have their registered
>>> offices at Queen Anne House, 11 Charlotte Street, Bath, BA1 2NE.
>>>
>>>
>>> **************************************************
>>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list, =20
>>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>>> **************************************************
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 16:30:57 +0100
>> From: Lyn Gash <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Heritage Info Post in Suffolk- =?iso-8859-1?Q?=A328,k?= 3 yrs
>>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> Please see below & circulate to anyone you think may be interested
>> in the
>> position - job link is
>> http://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/jobdetails.asp?jobid=3D11238
>> <http://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/jobdetails.asp?jobid=3D11238> =20
>>
>> =20
>>
>> =20
>>
>> Lyn Gash
>>
>> Museum Development Manager,
>>
>> Adult & Community Services,
>>
>> Suffolk County Council,
>>
>> Endeavour House,
>>
>> Russell Road,
>>
>> Ipswich,
>>
>> IP1 2BX
>>
>> =20
>>
>> 01473 265241
>>
>> [log in to unmask]
>>
>> =20
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Emails sent to and from this organisation will be monitored in
>> accordance=20
>> with the law to ensure compliance with policies and to minimise any=20
>> security risks.
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 17:38:55 +0100
>> From: Andy Powell <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>
>> I pretty much agree with everything you say below but I wonder if
>> there
>> is a subtle difference between your 'in the cloud' view and the
>> 'SaaS/ASP' view outlined in the original message.
>>
>> I tried to unpick a similar distinction in a recent talk at the UCISA
>> Management Conference [1] (a conference that is primarily targetted at
>> university computer centre directors) where I was talking about the
>> differences between the 'shared service' agenda and 'Web 2.0'.
>>
>> The shared service agenda is driven largely top-down by government and
>> institutional policy (in the case of Higher Education often mediated
>> by
>> the JISC), primarily as a way of saving costs thru greater
>> efficiencies.
>> I sense that this is where the original SaaS/ASP view was coming from?
>>
>> The move towards 'in the cloud' (though in my talk I was focussing on
>> Web 2.0) is driven largely bottom-up, either thru individuals or
>> departments, recognising the 'network' and or 'social' benefits of
>> that
>> approach (as you indicate in your opening para).
>>
>> I guess that this distinction doesn't quite play out in the same way
>> in
>> the museum context because of the differing nature of the
>> 'institution'
>> and its 'members' but my guess is that there are still some
>> significant
>> differences, particularly in terms of who is in control and what the
>> business drivers are ??
>>
>> Whilst these approaches are not necessarily in conflict with each
>> other,
>> they are different and, I think, probably need to be acknowledged.
>>
>> [1] http://tinyurl.com/3jkk4m (though the presentation is all pictures
>> so you won't get much out of it currently)
>>
>> Andy
>> --
>> Head of Development, Eduserv Foundation
>> http://www.eduserv.org.uk/foundation/
>> http://efoundations.typepad.com/
>> [log in to unmask]
>> +44 (0)1225 474319=20
>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On=20
>>> Behalf Of Mike Ellis
>>> Sent: 22 May 2008 09:56
>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>> Subject: Re: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>> =20
>>> Hi Nick
>>> =20
>>> Great question, and thanks for asking it...
>>> =20
>>> The "in the cloud" stuff is very interesting: conceptually,=20
>>> SaaS is the only way to go for all the reasons you outline in=20
>>> your email:
>>> centralised, manageable, cheap, single development path. You=20
>>> also missed a big one - it would also allow for a very=20
>>> interesting collaborative environment. Imagine - for instance=20
>>> - that your CM system had the option to "expose object to=20
>>> other curators" so you could ask questions of other museum=20
>>> experts "in the cloud". And then consider the social (public)=20
>>> aspects as well...?
>>> =20
>>> The issues that Seb raised are very real - computing in the=20
>>> cloud is still (no matter how good our bandwidth is right=20
>>> now) slower than desktop, especially with images or media=20
>>> files. However, I do think that good, contingency-based=20
>>> systems can be specified with these network issues in mind.=20
>>> For example it'd seem sensible to design systems that allow=20
>>> for local editing of assets, but have cloud storage built in.=20
>>> I use a couple of systems for instance (Carbonite and=20
>>> SugarSync) that - very effectively - sync data from my=20
>>> various computers to the cloud. In a badly designed system,=20
>>> I'd notice ("sorry, bandwidth is being hogged by system X"),=20
>>> but instead these "trickle" data up to the cloud and provide=20
>>> clever UI's that let you work with files even while they're=20
>>> being synced.=20
>>> =20
>>> With the continuing growth of WPF and Adobe AIR (see previous=20
>>> thread on MCG), the desktop/cloud divide is getting more and=20
>>> more blurred: system designers are caching locally, uploading=20
>>> during "quiet" times, providing interfaces that only ask for=20
>>> the specific asset (or segment of asset) that you're working=20
>>> on right now. It's only going to get more pervasive, but the=20
>>> systems need designing with realities in mind: managing your=20
>>> 50Mb TIFF file in the cloud is going to be a nightmare unless=20
>>> these realities are taken into account.
>>> =20
>>> The other massive issue I think is a "soft" one: not the DP=20
>>> issues (these can be solved), nor the security issues (these=20
>>> too have/can be
>>> solved) - instead it's about "my stuff being OUT THERE=20
>>> somewhere rather than in a machine that I can see". It's=20
>>> deeply unsettling psychologically for the current generation=20
>>> of computer users to envisage a truly "thin client" scenario.=20
>>> In all reality, your data is going to be way, way safer on=20
>>> Amazon S3 than on some dodgy 8-year old, non-backed up server=20
>>> in the middle of your museum somewhere...BUT...it just feels=20
>>> weird for it to be "in the cloud", doesn't it?? I'm=20
>>> geektastic and I struggled with this:
>>> http://electronicmuseum.org.uk/2007/08/10/archiving-data-to-th
>>> e-cloud/.
>>> System design can go a certain distance to helping this, but=20
>>> humans need some stroking, too...
>>> =20
>>> Ultimately [finally gets to the point], yes, I'll put my neck=20
>>> on the line and say that pretty much EVERY system will or=20
>>> should end up in the cloud, including museum CM systems. But=20
>>> it'll need some very clever UI and system design - not to=20
>>> mention stroking - to get us there.
>>> =20
>>> Cheers
>>> =20
>>> Mike
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> Mike Ellis
>>> Professional Services Group
>>> =20
>>> Eduserv
>>> [log in to unmask]
>>> tel: 01225 470522
>>> mob: 07017 031522
>>> fax: 01225 474301
>>> www.eduserv.org.uk
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>>> Nick Poole
>>> Sent: 21 May 2008 23:19
>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>> Subject: Collections Management Systems as hosted applications
>>> =20
>>> Dear MCGer's,
>>> =20
>>> I was wondering whether I could enlist your help in a research paper
>>> which the Collections Trust is considering at the moment. We=20
>>> are looking
>>> into the potential for museums to move towards the use of Collections
>>> Management Systems as remotely hosted, browser-accessible=20
>>> applications.
>>> =20
>>> With the rise of utility computing and improvements in bandwidth, it
>>> seems as though many industries are revisiting the Application
>>> Service
>>> Provider model
>>> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_Service_Provider) as a
>>> cost-effective way of managing both applications and data. On the
>>> face
>>> of it, there are some appealing benefits to the ASP (not Active
>>> Server
>>> Pages) model for Collections Management Systems. These include:
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> * Centralising (and therefore simplifying) the=20
>>> upgrade path for
>>> software
>>> =20
>>> * Enabling developers to rollout extensions to functionality
>>> globally across their client base
>>> =20
>>> * Reducing the requirement for local data storage and=20
>>> management
>>> =20
>>> * Potentially facilitating the processes of Digital=20
>>> Preservation
>>> for museum data
>>> =20
>>> * Potential cost-savings on technical support and development
>>> =20
>>> On the other hand, there is the risk that museums could=20
>>> perceive a move
>>> towards an ASP-based CMS as a loss of control or potentially=20
>>> integration
>>> with other museum systems, or that connectivity isn't robust enough
>>> provide a service as reliable as a Local Area Network/client-side
>>> application.
>>> =20
>>> The cost-savings and efficiency gains of this development could
>>> potentially be significant, but at the moment we have no=20
>>> clear evidence
>>> about how this model might be/is being applied. I would therefore
>>> welcome any and all thoughts or comments on this issue, and
>>> particularly:
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> - Is anyone on the list using a Collections Management
>>> System
>>> under an Application Service Provider model?
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> - Are any software developers on the list already=20
>>> providing or
>>> planning to provide such a service?
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> - What do people think would be the reaction to this=20
>>> if it were
>>> to become a clear direction of travel for information systems?
>>> =20
>>> Hope you don't mind acting as a reference group, but if there's
>>> sufficient interest, we'll follow up with some concerted research and
>>> publish a paper on it later in the year.
>>> =20
>>> With thanks,
>>> =20
>>> Nick
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> Nick Poole
>>> Chief Executive
>>> Collections Trust
>>> =20
>>> www.collectionstrust.org.uk
>>> www.collectionslink.org.uk
>>> www.cuturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> Tel: 01223 316028
>>> Fax: 01223 364658
>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> Until the end of April 2008, the Collections Trust's legal=20
>>> trading name
>>> is: MDA (Europe) Ltd
>>> Company Registration No: 1300565
>>> Reg. Office: 22 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1JP.
>>> =20
>>> The Collections Trust believes that everybody, everywhere should have
>>> the right to access and benefit from cultural collections.=20
>>> Our aim is to
>>> develop programmes and standards which help connect people=20
>>> and culture.
>>> =20
>>> The Collections Trust was launched from its predecessor body, the
>>> MDA,
>>> in March 2008.
>>> =20
>>> =20
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>>> visit
>>> the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
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>>> =20
>>> =20
>>> =20
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>>> of=20
>>> Eduserv, this communication is to be treated as confidential and
>>> the=20
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>>> for which it has been sent.
>>> If you have reason to believe that you are not the intended recipient
>>> of this communication, please contact the sender immediately.
>>> No employee or agent is authorised to enter into any binding
>>> agreement
>>> or contract on behalf of Eduserv or Eduserv Technologies Ltd., unless
>>> that agreement is subsequently confirmed by the conclusion of=20
>>> a written
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>>> Eduserv (Limited by Guarantee) - company number 3763109 - and=20
>>> Eduserv Technologies Ltd - company number - 4256630 - are both=20
>>> companies incorporated in England and Wales and have their
>>> registered=20
>>> offices at Queen Anne House, 11 Charlotte Street, Bath, BA1 2NE.
>>> =20
>>> =20
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>>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the=20
>>> list, visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
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>>> =20
>>
>> **************************************************
>> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list,
>> visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
>> **************************************************
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of MCG Digest - 22 May 2008 to 23 May 2008 (#2008-84)
>> *********************************************************
>
> **************************************************
> For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list, visit the
> website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
> **************************************************
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For mcg information and to manage your subscription to the list, visit the website at http://www.museumscomputergroup.org.uk
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