Publishers and Libraries Get SaaS-y

March 24, 2010

Yesterday afternoon I met up with some of the AL editors for a quick overview of a few of my favorite browser-based (i.e., cloud or SaaS) photo editing programs. Our idea is that to keep up with trends in online publishing, we all need basic photo-editing skills and anytime access to functional photo-editing software. So we demoed photoshop.com and Splashup. As we move toward web-first publishing, SaaS and other sorts of hosted solutions are becoming more compelling.

It also struck me that the same advantages that SaaS offers us as publishers are mirrored in a new wave of cloud-based library management tools, with anytime, anywhere access to software and no need to upgrade locally. Early this morning I got a press release from Serials Solutions about a new SaaS version of Aqua Browser they're announcing tonight at PLA. The library vendors are pushing SaaS mainly on the fact that SaaS solutions don't tie up library staff time for software maintenance. Serials Solutions' Beth Dempsey told me that "users can look at a future of consistent upgrades that roll out with no effort on their part—really makes AquaBrowser more accessible to smaller libraries."

Take a look at an excerpt from the press release:

The SaaS model allows AquaBrowser customers to keep pace with rapid technological advancement with no intervention from their staff. Upgrades will be rolled out consistently and automatically via Serials Solutions, a company renowned for its sophisticated, hosted library technology solutions. Set up and implementation are also streamlined through the SaaS model, making upgraded service to the community a turn-key operation. Further, AquaBrowser easily integrates with the library’s existing ILS system so that existing circulation information can be leveraged.

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Librarian by Day, Apr. 19; BBC, Apr. 9
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International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Apr. 22
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Jezebel, Apr. 18; Book Riot, Apr. 22
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ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Apr. 22
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Public Libraries Online, Apr. 18
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Newsweek, Apr. 16