Accessing and using cloud services is an extra step for researchers, so why do it? The benefits often far outweigh the initial investment in time to learn these systems. Here are the key advantages that make cloud computing particularly valuable for scientific research:
Benefits of the Cloud
Scalable Computing Resources
Top end hardware is expensive, especially GPUs. As a researcher, we are not always sure what level of compute we or our students will need at the start of a project. With cloud computing, you can scale up your demand when needed at a fraction of the cost of the hardware.
Enhanced Reliability & Data Security
In outsourcing the hardware, you no longer need to manage any damage or defects in your computing infrastructure. The same goes for data access and recovery, as your data is stored and shared on dedicated servers with robust backup systems.
Centralised Collaboration
By hosting your compute within a provider's cloud system, you will have all yours (and possibly your lab's) data and work in one place. You can modify and grant access to users as and when they join your project.
Flexible Configuration & Specialisation
Often software made by or for researchers only works within specific environments and operating systems, and typically one that you don't have. Rather than buy a new computer, cloud computhing can offer a wide range of specialised computing resources that can be configured to meet specific research and software needs.