Cloud Applications

The diversity in the way different cloud providers offer their services, give their SLAs, present their QoS, support different technologies, etc., complicates the portability and interoperability of cloud applications, and favors vendor lock-in. Standards like TOSCA, and tools supporting them, have come to help in the provider-independent description of cloud applications. After the variety of proposed cross-cloud application management tools, we propose going one step further in the unification of cloud services with a deployment tool in which IaaS and PaaS services are integrated into a unified interface. We provide support for applications whose components are to be deployed on different providers, indistinctly using IaaS and PaaS services. The TOSCA standard is used to define a portable model describing the topology of the cloud applications and the required resources in an agnostic, and providers-and resources-independent way. We include in this paper some highlights on our implementation on Apache Brooklyn and present a non-trivial example that illustrates our approach.

Now Cloud computing is evolved as a method to add capabilities to applications without licensing new software, investing in new hardware or infrastructure or training new personnel. It provides common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers. This paper explores different research papers published in different Journals based  on cloud computing. A review is carried out and selected papers are presented here by arranging them in scenario that helps to understand a concepts of Cloud Computing, its services and applications in different sectors.

Cloud computing is a paradigm that uses utility-driven models in providing dynamic services to clients at all levels. Performance analysis and modelling is essential because of service level agreement guarantees. Studies on performance analysis and modelling are increasing in a productive manner on the cloud landscape on issues like virtual machines and data storage. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study of performance analysis and modelling of cloud systems and applications. A systematic mapping study is useful in visualization and summarizing the research carried in an area of interest. The systematic study provided an overview of studies on this subject by using a structure, based on categorization. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The results showed that there were more discussions on optimization in relation to tool, method and process with 6.42%, 14...

As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferates, the magnitude and velocity of data continues to increase rapidly. IoT systems rely primarily on using messaging protocols for exchanging IoT data and there exists several protocols or frameworks that support distinct types of messaging patterns. Given that IoT devices typically have limited computational resources and processing power, choosing a lightweight, reliable, scalable, interoperable, extensible and secure messaging protocol becomes a very challenging task. As a result, it is not uncommon that IoT systems may employ multiple messaging protocols for supporting device heterogeneity and different message exchange patterns. In addition, basic similarities among existing several messaging protocols or frameworks that exist today for exchanging IoT data within IoT systems suggest the potential of interoperability. Given that IoT systems help facilitate the interconnectivity among distributed, heterogeneous entities, interoperability among existing messaging protocols will play an increasingly important role in simplifying the development and deployment of IoT systems. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the existing messaging protocols that can be used in deploying IoT systems. Throughout this paper, we highlight the protocols' distinctive approaches and applicability of using them across various IoT environments. In addition, we highlight challenges, strengths and weaknesses of these messaging protocols in the context of IoT.

As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferates, the magnitude and velocity of data continues to increase rapidly. IoT systems rely primarily on using messaging protocols for exchanging IoT data and there exists several protocols or frameworks that support distinct types of messaging patterns. Given that IoT devices typically have limited computational resources and processing power, choosing a lightweight, reliable, scalable, interoperable, extensible and secure messaging protocol becomes a very challenging task. As a result, it is not uncommon that IoT systems may employ multiple messaging protocols for supporting device heterogeneity and different message exchange patterns. In addition, basic similarities among existing several messaging protocols or frameworks that exist today for exchanging IoT data within IoT systems suggest the potential of interoperability. Given that IoT systems help facilitate the interconnectivity among distributed, heterogeneous entities, interoperability among existing messaging protocols will play an increasingly important role in simplifying the development and deployment of IoT systems. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the existing messaging protocols that can be used in deploying IoT systems. Throughout this paper, we highlight the protocols' distinctive approaches and applicability of using them across various IoT environments. In addition, we highlight challenges, strengths and weaknesses of these messaging protocols in the context of IoT.

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high number of articles in solution research with respect to all aspects of the features applied in the studies. This study showed clearly that there are gaps in cloud computing middleware and delivery services that would interest researchers and industry professionals desirous of research in this area.

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high...

Cloud computing is a prominent trend in the field of Information Technology (IT). Existing research presents the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, however few articles take a corporate approach. Moreover, considering that cloud computing provides numerous benefits, no research has aided the understanding of the business value associated with the technology and the context within which benefits and barriers are realized. The issues in South Africa make it difficult to prove the business value of cloud computing. The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the business value of cloud computing using qualitative evidence extracted from an exploratory study. The evaluation results are used to generate a theoretical framework. The themes concluded that cloud computing provides speed and agility as a value driver to organizations. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by promoting an understanding of the business value of cloud computing in South Africa. Johnston ...

Now Cloud computing is evolved as a method to add capabilities to applications without licensing new software, investing in new hardware or infrastructure or training new personnel. It provides common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers. This paper explores different research papers published in different Journals based  on cloud computing. A review is carried out and selected papers are presented here by arranging them in scenario that helps to understand a concepts of Cloud Computing, its services and applications in different sectors.

This paper presents the latest developments on the VIALACTEA Science Gateway in the context of the FP7 VIALACTEA project. This Science Gateway operates as a central workbench for the VIALACTEA community in order to allow astronomers to process the new-generation (from Infrared to Radio) surveys of the Galactic Plane to build and deliver a quantitative 3D model of our Milky Way Galaxy. The final model will be used as a template for external galaxies to study star formation across the cosmic time. The adopted AGILE software development process allowed to fulfill the community needs in terms of required workflows and underlying resources monitoring. The scientific requirements arose during the process highlighted the needs for easy parameter setting, fully embarrassingly parallel computations and large-scale input dataset processing. Therefore the Science Gateway based on the WS-PGRADE/gUSE framework has been able to fulfill the requirements mainly exploiting the parameter sweep paradi...

Cloud computing is a paradigm that uses utility-driven models in providing dynamic services to clients at all levels. Performance analysis and modelling is essential because of service level agreement guarantees. Studies on performance analysis and modelling are increasing in a productive manner on the cloud landscape on issues like virtual machines and data storage. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study of performance analysis and modelling of cloud systems and applications. A systematic mapping study is useful in visualization and summarizing the research carried in an area of interest. The systematic study provided an overview of studies on this subject by using a structure, based on categorization. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The results showed that there were more discussions on optimization in relation to tool, method and process with 6.42%, 14...

Cloud computing can be considered as a disruptive technology that is making life easier for Cloud users. Determining a focus of research in a specific subject area is sometimes challenging. A systematic map enables a synthesis of a scheme for categorizing data in a field of interest. The goal of this research paper is to carry out a systematic mapping study of policy language and programming models on the cloud. The mapping involved contribution category such as method, research category such as evaluation and major topics extracted from the abstracts of primary studies. The result indicated there are more publications on evaluation research in term of security with 8.9%. There were more papers published on validation research, solution proposal and experience research on the topic of paradigms with 7.53%, 6.85% and 4.11% respectively. Also, there were more publications on philosophical research in terms of privacy with 4.11%. In addition, there were more articles published on opinion research in terms of the survey with 4.11%. On the other hand, there were no articles on metric in terms of framework, paradigms and accountability, and reliability to the best of the researchers' knowledge. The outcome of this systematic study will be of benefit to cloud users, researchers, practitioners and providers.

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high...

Background: Cloud computing is a unique paradigm that is aggregating resources available from cloud service providers for use by customers on demand and pay per use basis. There is a Cloud federation that integrates the four primary Cloud models and the Cloud aggregator that integrates multiple computing services. A systematic mapping study provides an overview of work done in a particular field of interest and identifies gaps for further research. Objectives: The objective of this paper was to conduct a study of deployment and designs models for Cloud using a systematic mapping process. The methodology involves examining core aspect of the field of study using the research, contribution and topic facets. Results: The results obtained indicated that there were more publications on solution proposals, which constituted 41.98% of papers relating to design and deployment models on the Cloud. Out of this, 5.34% was on security, 1.5% on privacy, 6.11% on configuration, 7.63% on implementation, 11.45% on service deployment, and 9.92% of the solution proposal was on design. The results obtained will be useful for further studies by the academia and industry in this broad topic that was examined.

Cloud computing can be considered as a disruptive technology that is making life easier for Cloud users. Determining a focus of research in a specific subject area is sometimes challenging. A systematic map enables a synthesis of a scheme for categorizing data in a field of interest. The goal of this research paper is to carry out a systematic mapping study of policy language and programming models on the cloud. The mapping involved contribution category such as method, research category such as evaluation and major topics extracted from the abstracts of primary studies. The result indicated there are more publications on evaluation research in term of security with 8.9%. There were more papers published on validation research, solution proposal and experience research on the topic of paradigms with 7.53%, 6.85% and 4.11% respectively. Also, there were more publications on philosophical research in terms of privacy with 4.11%. In addition, there were more articles published on opinion research in terms of the survey with 4.11%. On the other hand, there were no articles on metric in terms of framework, paradigms and accountability, and reliability to the best of the researchers' knowledge. The outcome of this systematic study will be of benefit to cloud users, researchers, practitioners and providers.

Cloud computing is a paradigm that uses utility-driven models in providing dynamic services to clients at all levels. Performance analysis and modelling is essential because of service level agreement guarantees. Studies on performance analysis and modelling are increasing in a productive manner on the cloud landscape on issues like virtual machines and data storage. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study of performance analysis and modelling of cloud systems and applications. A systematic mapping study is useful in visualization and summarizing the research carried in an area of interest. The systematic study provided an overview of studies on this subject by using a structure, based on categorization. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The results showed that there were more discussions on optimization in relation to tool, method and process with 6.42%, 14...

Cloud providers have platforms for users to design, deploy and run applications located in the cloud. Additionally, computing power and storage are also being provided on the cloud. These provisions available on the cloud makes it most suitable for e-leaning purposes. E-learning provides a web-based forum for instructors and students to meet. Both hardware and software systems are required for this purpose. This can easily be implemented using available cloud infrastructure. This study examines current trends in the cloud e-learning areas and provides a useful guide for future research direction. The results showed that benefit of cloud computing was discussed by over 85% of the papers considered, cloud Architecture for e-learning was considered by over 65% of all the papers, around 27% of all the papers discussed e-learning Architecture, benefit of e-learning was considered by 27%, while only 4% discussed the HochschuleFurtwangen University E-learning Cloud Infrastructure. Index Te...

Cloud providers have platforms for users to design, deploy and run applications located in the cloud. Additionally, computing power and storage are also being provided on the cloud. These provisions available on the cloud makes it most suitable for e-leaning purposes. E-learning provides a web-based forum for instructors and students to meet. Both hardware and software systems are required for this purpose. This can easily be implemented using available cloud infrastructure. This study examines current trends in the cloud e-learning areas and provides a useful guide for future research direction. The results showed that benefit of cloud computing was discussed by over 85% of the papers considered, cloud Architecture for e-learning was considered by over 65% of all the papers, around 27% of all the papers discussed e-learning Architecture, benefit of e-learning was considered by 27%, while only 4% discussed the HochschuleFurtwangen University E-learning Cloud Infrastructure. Index Te...

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high...

Cloud computing is a business paradigm wherein computers and computing related services are provided by Cloud Service Providers to consumers either as software, development platform, or infrastructure. From an economic and business perspective, Cloud services involve cost, ownership quality of service and service level agreements. There are studies on economic and business models of cloud services on the cloud landscape especially in the area of pricing. Despite this, there is still a dearth of papers in this area of study. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study to collect all relevant research on economic and business models of Cloud services. A systematic map provides a structured overview in a particular research area. The representation of the mapping process offers unique course-grained overview of the results. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The res...

Cloud computing is a business paradigm wherein computers and computing related services are provided by Cloud Service Providers to consumers either as software, development platform, or infrastructure. From an economic and business perspective, Cloud services involve cost, ownership quality of service and service level agreements. There are studies on economic and business models of cloud services on the cloud landscape especially in the area of pricing. Despite this, there is still a dearth of papers in this area of study. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study to collect all relevant research on economic and business models of Cloud services. A systematic map provides a structured overview in a particular research area. The representation of the mapping process offers unique course-grained overview of the results. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The res...

Cloud computing currently plays a crucial role in the delivery of vital information technology services. A unique aspect of cloud computing is the cloud middleware and other related entities that support applications and networks. A specific field of research may be considered, particularly as regards cloud middleware and services at all levels, and thus needs analysis and paper surveys to elucidate possible study limitations. The purpose of this paper is to perform a systematic mapping for studies that capture cloud computing middleware, stacks, tools and services. The methodology adopted for this study is a systematic mapping review. The results showed that more papers on the contribution facet were published with tool, model, method and process having 18.10%, 13.79%, 6.03% and 8.62% respectively. In addition, in terms of tool, evaluation and solution research had the largest number of articles with 14.17% and 26.77% respectively. A striking feature of the systemic map is the high number of articles in solution research with respect to all aspects of the features applied in the studies. This study showed clearly that there are gaps in cloud computing middleware and delivery services that would interest researchers and industry professionals desirous of research in this area.

We propose a new idea for large-scale multimedia content protection systems. Our design leverages cloud infrastructures to provide cost efficiency, rapid deployment, scalability, and elasticity to accommodate varying workloads. The proposed system can be used to protect dif erent multimedia content types, including 2-D videos, 3-D videos, images, audio clips, songs, and music clips. The system can be deployed on private and/or public clouds. Our system has two novel components:(i) method to create signatures of 3-D videos, and (ii) distributed matching engine for multimedia objects. The signature method creates robust and representative signatures of 3-D videos that capture the depth signals in these videos and it is computationallyefficient to compute and compare as well as it requires small storage. The distributed matching engine achieves high scalability and it is designed to support dif erent multimedia objects. Weimplemented the proposed system and deployed it on two clouds:Amazon cloud and our private cloud. Our experiments with more than 11,000 3-D videos and 1 million images show the highaccuracy and scalability of the proposed system. In addition, we compared our system to the protection system used by YouTube and our results show that the YouTube protection system fails to detect most copies of 3-D videos, while our system detects more than 98% of them. This comparison shows the need for the proposed 3-D signature method, since the state-of-the-art commercial system was not able to handle 3-D videos

We propose a new idea for large-scale multimedia content protection systems. Our design leverages cloud infrastructures to provide cost efficiency, rapid deployment, scalability, and elasticity to accommodate varying workloads. The proposed system can be used to protect dif erent multimedia content types, including 2-D videos, 3-D videos, images, audio clips, songs, and music clips. The system can be deployed on private and/or public clouds. Our system has two novel components:(i) method to create signatures of 3-D videos, and (ii) distributed matching engine for multimedia objects. The signature method creates robust and representative signatures of 3-D videos that capture the depth signals in these videos and it is computationallyefficient to compute and compare as well as it requires small storage. The distributed matching engine achieves high scalability and it is designed to support dif erent multimedia objects. Weimplemented the proposed system and deployed it on two clouds:Amazon cloud and our private cloud. Our experiments with more than 11,000 3-D videos and 1 million images show the highaccuracy and scalability of the proposed system. In addition, we compared our system to the protection system used by YouTube and our results show that the YouTube protection system fails to detect most copies of 3-D videos, while our system detects more than 98% of them. This comparison shows the need for the proposed 3-D signature method, since the state-of-the-art commercial system was not able to handle 3-D videos.

Cloud computing is a paradigm that uses utility-driven models in providing dynamic services to clients at all levels. Performance analysis and modelling is essential because of service level agreement guarantees. Studies on performance analysis and modelling are increasing in a productive manner on the cloud landscape on issues like virtual machines and data storage. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic mapping study of performance analysis and modelling of cloud systems and applications. A systematic mapping study is useful in visualization and summarizing the research carried in an area of interest. The systematic study provided an overview of studies on this subject by using a structure, based on categorization. The results are presented in terms of research such as evaluation and solution, and contribution such as tools and method utilized. The results showed that there were more discussions on optimization in relation to tool, method and process with 6.42%, 14.29% and 7.62% respectively. In addition, analysis based on designs in terms of model had 14.29% and publication relating to optimization in terms of evaluation research had 9.77%, validation 7.52%, experience 3.01%, and solution 10.51%. Research gaps were identified and should motivate researchers in pursuing further research directions.