An architecture based on SOA and virtual enterprise principles: OpenNebula for cloud deployment

Abstract

Today enterprises have to survive in a dynamically changing business environment. Cloud computing presents a new business model where the Information Technology services supporting the business are provided by partners rather than in-house. The idea of cloud computing is on providing information technology resources over the Internet as-a-service to its consumers on demand. A research study conducted in the rural district of KwaNongoma, Zululand in South Africa proved that proved that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) did not grow in their businesses due to limited fund and they usually could not afford to purchase information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. For the first time, cloud computing offers SMMEs, the ability to use the most advanced business applications on an enterprise-class infrastructure without having to hire an IT team, build a computer room full of servers, and worry about patching, upgrading and maintenance. SMMEs in emerging markets are typically unburdened by established legacy infrastructures, thus reducing the complexity of deploying cloud solutions. The author envisions a cloud-based system built on service oriented architecture (SOA) principles and virtual enterprise (VE) principles as a solution to enhancing SMME competency. SOA is an approach to designing, implementing, and deploying information systems such that the system is created from components implementing discrete business functions. These components called “services” can be distributed across geography, across enterprise, and can be reconfigured into new business processes as needed. SOA and cloud computing enhance agility and cost effectiveness of an enterprise. The focus of this paper is on illustrating the importance of SOA and VE as an enabled framework of technology when building the cloud. The VE on the other hand is based on distributed functions and utilities’ outsourced to partners that work together in a firm to deliver products to end customers. The cloud is to be deployed on an Open Nebula platform. Whilst this subscription or rent based model appeals to enterprises of all sizes; the SMMEs stand to benefit the most from this paradigm shift. With no start-up capital required, the SMMEs can quickly develop their computing capacity.