An empirical study on predicting cloud incidents

2019 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Roumani, Yaman; Nwankpa, Joseph K.

Abstract: With the increasing rate of adoption and growth of cloud computing services, bus ... Expand

Abstract: With the increasing rate of adoption and growth of cloud computing services, businesses have been shifting their information technology (IT) infrastructure to the cloud. Although cloud vendors promise high availability and reliability of their cloud services, cloud-related incidents involving outages and service disruptions remain a challenge. Understanding cloud incidents and the ability to predict them would be helpful in deciding how to manage and circumvent future incidents. In this study, we propose a hybrid model that employs machine learning and time series methods to forecast cloud incidents. We evaluate the proposed model using a sample of 2261 incidents collected from two cloud providers namely, Netflix and Hulu. Unique to this study is that our model relies solely on historical data that is independent of the underlying cloud infrastructure. Results suggest that the proposed hybrid model outperforms individual forecasting models: neural network, time series and random forest. Results also reveal important temporal insights from the proposed model and highlights the practical relevance of historical data to forecast and manage cloud incidents. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing digital service Hulu Netflix IT manager

Methods: autoregressive integrated moving average longitudinal research time series analysis artificial neural network machine learning

Coordination in OSS 2.0: ANT Approach

2019 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: You, Sangseok; Crowston, Kevin; Saltz, Jeffrey S; Hegde, Yatish

Abstract: Open source software projects are increasingly driven by a combination of indepe ... Expand

Abstract: Open source software projects are increasingly driven by a combination of independent and professional developers, the former volunteers and the later hired by a company to contribute to the project to support commercial product development. This mix of developers has been referred to as OSS 2.0. However, we do not fully understand the multi-layered coordination spanning individuals, teams, and organizations. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT), we describe how coordination and power dynamics unfold among developers and how different tools and artifacts both display activities and mediate coordination efforts. Internal communication within an organization was reported to cause broken links in the community, duplication of work, and political tensions. ANT shows how tools and code can exercise agency and alter a software development process as an equivalently active actor of the scene. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the changing nature of open source software development. Collapse

Topics: Apache Hadoop VMware anonymity pseudonymity user experience

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview grounded theory qualitative coding TensorFlow

Theories: actor network theory theory of affordance socio technical theory

Back to Pen and Paper: Recovering Assessment Questions from Computer-Based Examination Applications

2017 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Saini, Shalabh; Grispos, George; Liu, Charles Zhechao; Choo, Kim-Kwang Raymond

Abstract: Computer-based examination platforms are increasingly utilized to deliver examin ... Expand

Abstract: Computer-based examination platforms are increasingly utilized to deliver examinations. The advantages of implementing such a solution over a traditional pen-and-paper approach include support for remote candidates, reduced financial costs, shorter grading time and reduced carbon footprints. While the benefits are attractive, the nature of computer-based examinations makes them more susceptible to cheating. One conjecture previously discussed in the literature is that candidates could recover questions from hard drives. However, minimal research has been conducted to affirm these assumptions. Hence, this research investigates the extent to which questions can be recovered from a computer-based examination and makes recommendations to counter such problems based on the Routine Activity Theory. The study contributes to the discipline by empirically demonstrating that questions can be recovered from three computer-based examination applications using freely available computer forensic tools, and highlighting the need for additional security measure to enhance the creditability of the computer-based examination applications. Collapse

Topics: virtualization technology laptop computer hard disk drive Microsoft Windows criminality

Methods: experiment case study synthesis statistical hypothesis test literature study

Theories: activity theory

Multi-Disciplinary Green IT Archival Analysis: A Pathway for Future Studies

2017 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Sedera, Darshana; Lokuge, Sachithra; Tushi, Bonny

Abstract: With the growth of information technology (IT), there is a growing global concer ... Expand

Abstract: With the growth of information technology (IT), there is a growing global concern about the environmental impact of such technologies. As such, academics in several research disciplines consider research on green IT a vibrant theme. While the disparate knowledge in each discipline is gaining substantial momentum, we need a consolidated multidisciplinary view of the salient findings of each research discipline for green IT research to reach its full potential. We reviewed 390 papers published on green IT from 2007 to 2015 in three disciplines: computer science, information systems and management. The prevailing literature demonstrates the value of this consolidated approach for advancing our understanding on this complex global issue of environmental sustainability. We provide an overarching theoretical perspective to consolidate multi-disciplinary findings and to encourage information systems researchers to develop an effective cumulative tradition of research. Collapse

Topics: green IS virtualization technology technology adoption innovation management computer hardware

Methods: literature sample literature study computational algorithm mixed method archival research

Theories: agency theory technology acceptance model institutional theory theory of reasoned action theory of planned behavior

Multi-criteria analysis for OS-EMR software selection problem: A comparative study

2015 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Zaidan, A. A.; Zaidan, B. B.; Hussain, Muzammil; Haiqi, Ahmed; Mat Kiah, M. L.; Abdulnabi, Mohamed

Abstract: Various software packages offer a large number of customizable features to meet ... Expand

Abstract: Various software packages offer a large number of customizable features to meet the specific needs of organizations. Improper selection of a software package may result in incorrect strategic decisions and subsequent economic loss of organizations. This paper presents a comparative study that aims to evaluate and select open-source electronic medical record (OS-EMR) software based on multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. A hands-on study is performed, and a set of OS-EMR software are implemented locally in separate virtual machines to closely examine the systems. Several measures as evaluation bases are specified, and systems are selected based on a set of metric outcomes by using AHP integrated with different MCDM techniques, namely, WPM, WSM, SAW, HAW, and TOPSIS. Paired sample t-test is then utilized to measure the correlations among different techniques on ranking scores and orders. Findings are as follows. (1) Significant differences exist among MCDM techniques on the basis of different integrations on ranking scores, whereas no significant differences exist among them when representing the ranking scores to the ranking orders in place of the technique scale. (2) The software GNUmed, OpenEMR, OpenMRS, and ZEPRS do not differ in ranking scores/orders of experiments for all MCDM techniques presented. On the contrary, discrepancies among the ranking scores/orders are more noticeable in other software. (3) GNUmed, OpenEMR, and OpenMRS software are the most promising candidates for providing a good basis on ranking scores/orders, whereas ZEPRS is not recommended because it records the worst ranking score/order in comparison with other OS-EMR software. Collapse

Topics: usability electronic health record decision making open source virtualization technology

Methods: trade-off analysis method TOPSIS experiment paired t-test parametric test

A Reference Model to Support Risk Identification in Cloud Networks

2014 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 20

Authors: Keller, Robert; Kã, Christian

Abstract: The rising adoption of cloud computing and increasing interconnections among its ... Expand

Abstract: The rising adoption of cloud computing and increasing interconnections among its actors lead to the emergence of network-like structures and new associated risks. A major obstacle for addressing these risks is the lack of transparency concerning the underlying network structure and the dissemination of risks therein. Existing research does not consider the risk perspective in a cloud network’s context. We address this research gap with the construction of a reference model that can display such networks and therefore supports risk identification. We evaluate the reference model through real-world examples and interviews with industry experts and demonstrate its applicability. The model provides a better understanding of cloud networks and causalities between related risks. These insights can be used to develop appropriate risk management strategies in cloud networks. The reference model sets a basis for future risk quantification approaches as well as for the design of (IT) tools for risk analysis. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing business model supply chain management data security privacy

Methods: reference modelling qualitative interview design science unified modeling language class diagram

Evaluation of Security Solutions in the SCADA Environment

2014 | ACM SIGMIS Database | Citations: 0

Authors: Larkin, Robert D.; Lopez, Juan, Jr.; Butts, Jonathan W.; Grimaila, Michael R.

Abstract: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems control and monitor the ... Expand

Abstract: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems control and monitor the electric power grid, water treatment facilities, oil and gas pipelines, railways, and other critical infrastructure assets. With the advent of greater connectivity via the Internet, organizations that own and operate these systems have increasingly interconnected them with their enterprise network to take advantage of cost savings and operational benefits. Now, these once isolated systems are susceptible to a wider range of threats resulting from new pathways into the network that previously did not exist. Recommendations for safeguarding SCADA systems include employment of traditional information technology (IT) security solutions; however, mitigation strategies designed for IT systems must first be evaluated prior to deployment on a SCADA system to quantify and to minimize the risk of adverse operational impacts. This article examines the employment of traditional IT security mechanisms in the SCADA environment. We provide considerations that should be evaluated prior to deploying security controls to mitigate negative impacts on operations. A case study is provided that evaluates a host-based intrusion detection system and a petrochemical fuels management SCADA system. Collapse

Topics: virtualization technology IT security intrusion detection system computer hardware workstation

Methods: case study longitudinal research anomaly detection

The development that leads to the Cloud Computing Business Framework

2013 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 12

Authors: Chang, Victor; Walters, Robert John; Wills, Gary

Abstract: a b s t r a c tThe Cloud Computing Business Framework (CCBF) is proposed to hel ... Expand

Abstract: a b s t r a c tThe Cloud Computing Business Framework (CCBF) is proposed to help organisations achieve good Cloud design, deployment, migration and services. There are four key areas to be addressed: (i) Classification; (ii) Organisational Sustainability Modelling (OSM); (iii) Service Portability and (iv) Linkage. Each area's focus is described, and we explain how each fits into the CCBF and work altogether. The process that leads the CCBF is supported by literature, case studies, where examples in each CCBF key area are used to illustrate its effectiveness and contributions to organisations adopting it. CCBF has been used in several organisations offering added values and positive impacts. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing business model organizational productivity software as a service VMware

Methods: case study experiment simulation Monte Carlo simulation

Collaborative learning in the clouds

2013 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 5

Authors: Mousannif, Hajar; Khalil, Ismail; Kotsis, Gabriele

Abstract: Cloud computing has emerged as one of the most highly discussed topics both in t ... Expand

Abstract: Cloud computing has emerged as one of the most highly discussed topics both in the academic community and in the computing industry. While most of the work that has been conducted to explore this field focuses either on establishing the basis for cloud computing or almost exclusively on the issues surrounding security and data privacy, this paper takes the first exploratory step into exploring the actual internal working of cloud computing and demonstrates its viability for organizations, more specifically educational establishments . The paper starts by introducing the most important key clouds computing concepts, including virtualization technologies, Web services and Service Oriented Architectures (SOA), and distributed computing. Light will be then shed on the impact and potential benefits of cloud computing on teaching and learning in educational institutions. The paper closes by describing building a private cloud inside educational institution and highlights its offerings for students, staff and lecturers. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing virtualization technology VMware operating system distributed computing

Increasing Dynamic Capabilities through Virtualized Grid-in-Cloud Solutions

2012 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Beck, Roman; Toenker, Marcus

Abstract: Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among enterprises since it is a ... Expand

Abstract: Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among enterprises since it is an inexpensive alternative to source IT resources. In this regard, a viable way to increase dynamic capabilities is to use Clouds as platform to implement Grid environments which allow the parallelization of tasks in virtualized Cloud environments. Thus, being able to combine the two paradigms and being able to assess which task can be deployed based in which compute environment can be a competitive advantage for enterprises. Therefore, our tripartite research question we are aiming at in this research in progress stream is: 1) How can a Grid-in-a-Cloud solution be realized, 2) what are the technical obstacles, and 3) for which tasks is an economically meaningful use possible? We provide first preliminary answers which we were able to draw from our design science research approach developing a Grid-in-a-Cloud solution which we compare with a physical Grid solution. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing virtualization technology data center VMware high-performance computing

Methods: design artifact design science kernel theory descriptive statistic qualitative interview

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory