Integrated (Private) Cloud Computing Environment for Access to Specialized Campus-bound Software Applications - Pilot Study

摘要

A challenge in today's academic institution is to provide twenty four by seven (24/7) inexpensive access to computing resources independent of the physical hardware and software platform. Solutions being sought need to be simple to use and inexpensive to implement. Most universities utilize multiple computing labs running specific software. Licensing issues limit the ability to install software in multiple locations. Space limitations and class scheduling complicate the ability to provide the requested resources to a specific user population when needed. This can be frustrating, inconvenient and unproductive for students working on complex lab assignments with stringent deadlines. Faculty are searching for solutions that allow students on and off-campus access to expensive lab-bound software. Productivity merits the ability for students to have the flexibility to work on assignments as their schedules permit. In addition, universities bear overwhelming IT costs setting up and supporting labs spread across campus. Not only are expenses incurred in hardware costs but also in manpower hours setting up and tearing down computing labs, installing software and maintaining images.