Who knew that The Jeffersons had predicted the future with the theme song “Movin’ On Up”, but it looks like they nailed it on the head.  Technology is now up in the “clouds”. 

Cloud computing, by its most basic definition, is a computing environment where software and data are accessed over a network (e.g. the Internet), rather than stored on a local desktop or server.  With this model, users have the feel of software applications and data residing in the “clouds.” By more technical definition, the network of servers and connections is collectively known as “the cloud.” Computing at the scale of the cloud allows users to access supercomputer-level power. Using a thin client or other access point, like an iPhone, BlackBerry or laptop, users can reach into the cloud for resources as they need them. Other similar terms often used to refer to the cloud computing model are “on-demand computing,” and “Software as a Service,” or “SaaS.” 

Just because technology evolves, that does not necessarily mean that the job of compliance becomes any easier.  The SaaS model provides an excellent opportunity for the publisher to have a direct line of communication to the buyer/user, however, it also provides many challenges for both the user and publisher in terms of compliance and management.  Controlling and managing access to users is not only an objective of the publisher, but also the buyer as well.  Users must eliminate ex-employees from accessing pertinent data that is hosted in the SaaS environment is an on-going task that must be maintained.  Sharing of usernames and passwords also must be controlled to curb any piracy.  Over my next blog, and possibly more if you are lucky, I will explore these and other challenges with the SaaS model in terms of both the users and publishers viewpoints.  However, until next blog…  as my favorite character, Eric, from the Howard Stern Show says “bye for now.”