Cloud Computing and the Church

January 24th 2011

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Let’s say you’re an administrative pastor in a new church. One of your responsibilities include making sure that all of the staff have the right hardware and software they need to do their jobs. Buying computers and purchasing software would be easy if it worked the way everyone thought it would. Soon you become overwhelmed with office networking issues, keeping up with constant required updates, downloads and spending more money for the latest and greatest versions.

There is now an alternative. Instead of installing a suite of software for each computer, you’d only have to have one service application. A Web-based service like Church Office Online is now taking the burden off the client and upon themselves to maintain compatibility and accessibility for a variety of systems and devices. Cloud Services can provide everything from e-mail, word processing programs and specific ministry applications for a church (i.e. Church Office Online). Software services offered in the cloud are termed “Software as a Service” or “SaaS”, which basically means that you use the application without the worry of installation, maintenance or operating system.

Cloud computing takes the workload off your system or device. Your computer systems and mobile devices no longer have to do the more intensive processing that applications demand. The cloud consists of a vast array of computers/servers that handles them instead. Because the Cloud will do the heaver work it frees the end user/client to purchase lighter and more mobile devices that only needs to access the Web and wireless support devices like printers and other mobile devices.

Most of you have already used cloud computing and didn’t even know it. Do you have an e-mail account with Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo? If you have then you’ve experienced cloud computing.

So what does this mean for churches?

Greater mobility, with mobile web computer tools that will help you to know who you’re going to visit, where they live, and a host of ministry resources you have access to without confining you to your desk.

More time to minister by not having to maintain updates and downloads, and most programs are more user friendlier than desktop based versions.

Cloud based software services (SaaS) are generally less expensive than buying software licences, installing it yourself, maintaining it and of course purchasing the computing hardware to run it.

You have greater options to purchase devices and applications and spend less for them.

Some recommended Cloud software (SaaS)

 

Thanks,

Church Office Online