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HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING


“The cloud platform also provides some tools to aid identification and analysis of the samples, which means that researchers can run experiments virtually”


advantages promoted for SaaS is that software updates are managed for users transparently, it can impact the reproducibility of research results. However, when used well, SaaS tools


can improve the flexibility and efficiency of research projects. For example, if a researcher has an idea for an experiment but is unsure whether it will work, they can spin up a machine in the cloud, instead of having to order high performance computing (HPC) kit, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. When the experiment has been modelled


in the cloud, however, it can be more cost-effective to use dedicated HPC for ongoing projects. Working with accredited partners such as Jisc can also help make the most effective use of cloud services including AWS and Microsoft, further extending budgets.


platform also provides some tools to aid identification and analysis of the samples, which means that researchers can run experiments virtually, without having to install these tools on their own machines.


Proceed with caution As various providers are offering more tools as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), the role of cloud is expanding beyond that of just computing and storage solutions. Researchers can explore and experiment with new tools, technologies and computing platforms quickly without large upfront financial and infrastructure costs. That said, as with all digital tools, the benefits are dependent on how they are used.


www.scientific-computing.com | @scwmagazine A certain amount of caution is needed


in the case of pre-built toolkits, as they can also be misused or introduce unexpected biases. If a researcher knows how to use the toolkits and understands the parameters and limitations of the technology in question, such as AI, they can be really useful. However, if this isn’t the case and the tools aren’t used properly, results could be compromised, for example, mistaking correlation for causation, or misinterpreting artefacts inherent in the tools as trends in the underlying data. The “black-box” nature of some of these SaaS tools – whereby their internal workings remain hidden – introduces challenges for effective peer review. While one of the


It’s all about balance Increased availability of cloud computing for research provides options for different projects, and in the current health crisis, it is proving an important tool in global vaccine efforts. This is evident here in the UK through projects such as the University of Bristol’s use of cloud to develop the synthetic ADDomer vaccine. The global challenge brought about


by Covid-19 has shed greater light on cloud’s place in research collaboration, and as data analysis continues to take centre stage in research, we will only see cloud usage grow.


Matthew Dovey is head of e-infrastructure (strategy) at Jisc, and a member of the EOSC governance board. For more information on cloud solutions for education and research, visit jisc.ac.uk/cloud


Autumn 2020 Scientific Computing World


13


whiteMocca/Shutterstock.com


Design_Cells/Shutterstock.com


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