Abstract

Among research opportunities in software engineering for cloud computing model, interoperability stands out. We found that the dynamic nature of cloud technologies and the battle for market domination make cloud applications locked-id, i.e, proprietary, non-portable and non-interoperable. In general context of cloud computing, interoperability goes beyond communication between systems like in other fields, it goes in direction of more dynamic, heterogeneous, complex and composed applications that take advantage of best features from different providers and services simultaneously. Interoperability in cloud constitutes a great challenge that must be overcome for that, in the future, software be more dynamic and improved. Objective: This paper aims at identifying how interoperability in cloud computing has been addressed in the existing literature, offering an up-to-date view of concepts relate to how to develop interoperable software that takes advantage of different cloud models. Thus, providing a basis for further research in the field and consolidating e better exploring existing concepts. Method: To fulfill this objective, we surveyed literature. We defined six research questions and conducted the study according to a protocol that included planning, and execution. Results: A first result of the review is that there is no well established definition for cloud interoperability. This study also identified cloud interoperability concepts (e.g., cloud brokers, multi-cloud and cloud federation), requirements for interoperable applications and existing cloud interoperability solutions, showing that these are either too specific for particular situations. Finally, the survey found no evaluation models for cloud interoperability solutions. We also present a discussion on the findings of this study. Conclusion: Since the study observed that there are no well-established cloud interoperability solutions yet, we conclude that the issues raised by lack of interoperability persist. Selecting one interoperable solution or even a cloud standard can free the system from the underlying providers, but it would still be locked into the selected particular solution.

Highlights

  • In a report, the IEEE Computer Society1 highlights 22 technologies with potential to change the scenario of computer science and its role in industry (Alkhatib et al 2014)

  • This study identified cloud interoperability concepts, requirements for interoperable applications and existing cloud interoperability solutions, showing that these are either too specific for particular situations

  • One final observation about these definitions is that interoperability can means the integration between cloud providers. This is suggested by Petcu (Definition 8), who mentions the abilities to communicate between providers, to use the same management tools and software in multiple clouds, and to federate multiple clouds to support a single application. Derived from these observations, we propose the following definition: cloud interoperability refers to the ability to develop applications that combine resources that can inter-operate, or work together from multiple cloud providers, taking advantage of specific features provided by each provider

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The IEEE Computer Society highlights 22 technologies with potential to change the scenario of computer science and its role in industry (Alkhatib et al 2014). Apart from foreseeing relevant research paths up to 2022, it discusses a vision of a possible future for each one of those technologies. Having gained notoriety in industry, cloud computing is capturing the attention of the academic community. The number of scientific publications presenting methods, processes and tools for the cloud is constantly increasing as researchers investigate how cloud computing can be used to promote advances in several areas of computer science (da Silva and Lucredio 2012)

Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call