The term cloud computing is being used more and more, but what is it and why should you understand it? In this webinar, we explain what cloud computing means, define the different types, discuss how it is impacting nonprofits and libraries, and outline some criteria for use. The challenges of using the “cloud” are discussed, as well as whether cloud computing will simplify your life and reduce software and IT staffing costs.

Hear from Anna Jaeger, Co-Director, GreenTech at TechSoup Global, and Peter Campbell, Nonprofit Technologist at Earthjustice, who will help you understand this topic in order to better communicate with your consultants, staff and board. This webinar is applicable for any size organization and ideal for decision makers who need to communicate about cloud computing with tech consultants, and who are interested in making more informed technology decisions.

If you are wondering if this is right for you, here is a blog post that will help you get a sense of what we discuss, Why Should Nonprofits Care About Cloud Computing? and a short introductory video Cloud Computing in Plain English, by Common Craft.

This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. If you have any questions regarding redistribution or use of this work, please contact webinars@techsoupglobal.org.

Anna Jaeger was the Founder and Co-Director of the GreenTech Initiative at the nonprofit TechSoup Global. GreenTech’s mission is to help nonprofits and libraries reduce their environmental impact through the effective use of technology. She has been formally writing and speaking about using technology to lower environmental impact since 2007. Prior to her work on the GreenTech initiative, Ms. Jaeger lead TechSoup Global’s IT Applications Department, which implemented and maintained all enterprise software and websites. Ms Jaeger has previously held positions in IT consulting, medical research, human services and has been the Treasurer of the board for a small California nonprofit.

Peter Campbell is currently the Director of Information Technology at Earthjustice, a non-profit law firm dedicated to defending the earth. Prior to joining Earthjustice, Peter spent seven years serving as IT Director at Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo & Marin Counties, Inc.

Peter has been managing technology for non-profits and law firms for over 20 years, and has a broad knowledge of systems, email and the web. In 2003, he won a "Top Technology Innovator" award from InfoWorld for developing a retail reporting system for Goodwill thrift. Peter's focus is on advancing communication, collaboration and efficiency through creative use of the web and other technology platforms.

Articles

• 4 Cloud Cast Studies from Microsoft
• Cloud Computing for Small Nonprofits: Lessons Learned from 5 Years in the Cloud
• NTEN March 2010 Newsletter on Cloud Computing
• Why should nonprofits care about cloud computing

Basic Cloud Computing Information

• Why Should Nonprofits Care About Cloud Computing?
• Cloud Computing in Plain English, by Common Craft