Adobe switches to the Cloud, IU plans to follow

“Cloud computing,” the practice of exporting software and storage to an off-site server, is the newest trend in computer technology. Soon, IU hopes to join the trend with Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

Developed in 2012, Creative Cloud is a membership-based system where all Adobe Creative Suite products are available online, coupled with additional online storage and services. Creative Cloud is set to replace Creative Suite CS6, shifting Adobe products and updates to subscription-based online distribution. Adobe and IU have been discussing the IU campus transition to Creative Cloud.

Bob Flynn, special project manager for IU’s University Information Technology Services, has been using Creative Cloud for the past year. He said he noticed both benefits and drawbacks to the program.

“You can download and install just the apps you want, new features and updates are rolled out on an ongoing basis, you can quickly reconfigure your application when you install on a new machine, and the full Creative Cloud provides tools for social sharing of your work and collaboration,” Flynn said. “However, for privacy and data policy reasons, some units may not want their users to leverage any of the Cloud storage or collaboration features, and you no longer have physical media like software DVDs.”

Some around IU are unsure what the campus model of Creative Cloud will look like, but UITS is hoping to implement the shift as soon as possible. IU Associate Vice President for Client Services and Support Sue Workman sits on Adobe’s education advisory board and has spoken with the company about bringing Creative Cloud to the University.

There are logistical and legal problems that must be overcome in distributing Creative Cloud to an entire campus, such as whether IU will be able to keep its single sign-on to log into Creative Cloud, Flynn said.

Flynn said he is unsure whether students will notice a difference in using Creative Cloud. Changes in the cost to students, which would be covered by their technology fees, have not been determined.

“We don’t know what, if anything, will change when we move to Creative Cloud, but IU’s philosophy has not been to charge for common software packages,” Flynn said.

In a May 6 announcement, Adobe said they will stop future development of Creative Suite, focusing future software development on Creative Cloud.

“By focusing on Creative Cloud, we will put innovation in our members’ hands at a much faster pace,” Director of Education Trevor Bailey said.

An upgraded CC will be available in June and paired with the online community Behance, it will offer users even greater options.

“Customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure,” Bailey said. “For education, this means keeping a competitive edge and providing students and educators with access to the latest tools for college and career success.”

CS6 will still be available at the IU bookstore and supported by Adobe, but all future updates will be through the Cloud. The timeline for IU’s switch has yet to be determined.

“While Creative Cloud for individuals has been around for a year, Creative Cloud for Enterprise is very new,” Flynn said. “We have many questions to resolve in our discussions with Adobe. Our wish is to get this all moving as soon as logistically possible. Until we have sorted out contract details with Adobe there is no certainty what Creative Cloud will look like at IU.”

However, Flynn said he remains positive toward Creative Cloud and its implementation.

“I just find it simpler to install my applications, keep my applications up-to-date and I’ve enjoyed some of the new applications that are Creative Cloud only, like Muse and the Edge family,” he said. “I am looking forward to some of the new aspects of CC due out this summer.”