This workstream offered a brief introduction to cloud computing and virtualisation. Aydin said that it would be “slightly cynical” viewpoint on the benefits of the model.
Aydin opened the workstream by explaining cloud computing. He said that there is no single model and that it is more about behaviours. The common features are that services are outsourced to the network and bought in when needed, and resources are flexible and shared. It is claimed that, by improving efficiency, this reduces costs and CO2 emissions.
Lumison has carefully looked at this model and it has found a number of challenges, such the compatibility of software, the complexity and the potential for systemic faults. Aydin said that the claims for greater efficiency look dubious. Cloud computing appears to be 50% more expensive than traditional platforms if it is regularly used and, because there is a lot of capacity left unused, there seems to be no CO2 benefit compared to virtualisation.
As a result, Lumison believes that cloud computing is only really beneficial for:
- Developers
- “Bursty applications” e.g. festivals
- Changing user bases e.g. creative industries
- Outsourcing application deployment
For everyone else, especially SMEs, it considers that there are better options, including virtualisation. The wide-ranging discussion which followed explored further the virtualisation and cloud computing models, their differences, and which companies and public sector organisations could potentially benefit from employing either of them.
As regards the development of data centres, Aydin said that Scotland is a great location due to its cool temperatures and abundant renewable electricity supply, and that they could deliver services well-beyond our borders. However, he questioned the size of some of the proposals. He highlighted the consolidation of the ICT infrastructure around London and the comparative lack of innovation in Scottish businesses as real problems. |
