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The following message regarding "Cloud computing" services was sent to MSU Deans, Directors, and Chairs yesterday. Katherine Ball Academic Technology Services* *Academic Computing and Network Services recently merged with Instructional Media Center. The new name for this combined department is Academic Technology Services. -----Original Message----- From: David A Gift [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:17 PM To: DeanDirectorChair List Subject: Appropriate use of "cloud computing" services To: Deans, Directors and Chairpersons From: David Gift, Vice Provost, Libraries, Computing and Technology (LCT) Subject: Appropriate use of “cloud computing” applications (e.g., Google Apps) PLEASE SHARE WITH INTERESTED FACULTY AND STAFF IN YOUR UNITS. Google Apps and other online computing applications (now frequently referred to as “cloud computing” applications) were the subject of a 3 November 2007 Deans/Directors/Chairs (DDC) memo. That memo noted that the terms of use of such applications at that time typically were inappropriate for use with University business records and sensitive data types that the University is obligated to protect, and also imposed serious risks for intellectual property. Cloud computing is one of the most hotly competitive segments of the information technology marketspace, and the available applications and their terms of use are changing rapidly. The risks involved a few months ago are still an issue, but there can be circumstances in which use of cloud computing may be or become appropriate in this rapidly evolving environment. Decisions regarding appropriate use of cloud computing typically fall to individual users, and all individuals need to be prepared to take responsibility for their individual choices to use cloud computing applications in support of their University work. A document intended to help inform these decisions has been developed with the assistance of faculty and staff serving in LCT’s advisory groups, and several other administrative offices. It is posted on the Web at http://lct.msu.edu/documents/LCTappropriate_Uses_of_Cloud_Computing_22_Apr_08.pdf. We encourage anyone using or contemplating use of cloud computing services to read this document and give due consideration to the issues it addresses. Thank you.