The Virtual Computing Lab (VCL): An Open Source Cloud Computing Solution Designed Specifically for Education and Research

摘要

In this paper, we describe the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) with its main features and services. Also, we introduce the recent advances of the VCL system and its usage in research and education. The VCL is a cloud computing system that has been optimized for the educational services and research needs of the academic community. VCL is an open source cloud orchestration stack with a self-service portal that currently supports a large number of customers and commercial cloud, or cloud-related services and solutions. It was developed by NCSU with support from IBM Corporation. VCLs promise to support researchers and students in all academic levels to fulfill all their computing needs. In addition to supporting students and faculty members at NC State University and other UNC System universities, the NC VCL now also supports students at several NC community colleges. Also, we introduced cloud computing and service science related activities and achievements at Jordan University of Science and Technology.