Science software could move into the cloud

Science software could move towards a cloud computing model if research budgets feel the squeeze in the coming months.

Andy Wright, sales director for technology solutions provider nonstopIT, claims that the cost benefits of cloud computing are beginning to be realised for organisations in all sectors and disciplines.

The ability to deploy infrastructure without the need to actually install any equipment or manage any physical devices is a part of this, he says.

Meanwhile, fears about the security of allowing data to be stored by a third party, or using applications hosted by an external provider, seem to be dissipating.

His comments could drive more clinical research laboratories to consider cloud-hosted science software.

Storing information in the cloud can allow scientists at different locations to collaborate on projects by accessing datasets from wherever they are.

Meanwhile, external backup to a third-party provider's data centre can ensure that no valuable research data is lost should a power outage or natural disaster occur at the main facility.