Provider-Independent Use of the Cloud

Abstract

Abstract. Utility computing offers researchers and businesses the potential of significant cost-savings, making it possible for them to match the cost of their computing and storage to their demand for such resources. A utility compute provider enables the purchase of compute infrastructures on-demand; when a user requires computing resources a provider will provision a resource for them and charge them only for their period of use of that resource. There has been a significant growth in the number of cloud computing resource providers and each has a different resource usage model, application process and application programming interface (API)-developing generic multi-resource provider applications is thus difficult and time consuming. We have developed an abstraction layer that provides a single resource usage model, user authentication model and API for compute providers that enables cloud-provider neutral applications to be developed. In this paper we outline the issues in using external resource providers, give examples of using a number of the most popular cloud providers and provide examples of developing provider neutral applications. In addition, we discuss the development of the API to create a generic provisioning model based on a common architecture for cloud computing providers.

Modeling the interactions between cloud service providers

“…Authors in [9] propose a usage model that can be applied to all cloud providers. Based on this model they define an abstract layer that is a generalization of the providers, thus enabling provider-independent service development.…”

“…Moreover, one has to consider that the need for dependability (as one of the main Future Internet Architecture Design Principles [9]) is fundamental for the user needs, while it has been noted that focus of cloud computing is the user experience [10]. In this context, service selection should account for the specific requirements with respect to the Quality of Service (QoS).…”

Identifying Cloud computing usage patterns

“…Recently, in [7] is reported the development of a interesting abstraction layer that provides a single resource usage model, user authentication model and API for compute providers that enables cloud-provider neutral applications to be developed. The full API is still under development, as mOSAIC solution is, and refers mainly to virtualization means.…”

“…They specific requirements were partially identified in [7]. First of all they require high computational throughput with millisecond-based quality of service.…”

Stakeholder Interactions to Support Service Creation in Cloud Computing

“…Harmer et al [10] give an outline of a usage model common to all cloud providers. Based on this model they define an abstract layer that is a generalization of the various infrastructure providers, and give examples of service development in a way that is neutral with respect to the provider.…”