CSIR-Knowgate: an example of private cloud infrastructure for Knowledge Resource Centres.

When we talk about the sharing and distribution of resources and technology, then cloud computing technology can do a lot cost-effectively.

Moreover, If we are using private cloud infrastructure it also makes sure the safety and security of our research data which we prefer to be stored in our data centers. As the Indian CSIR Labs (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories) are creating lots of research and technical data, so the option of choosing a private network is good where the security of data is concerned.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is using Internet-based remote services and resources which are being hosted by others.

Types of cloud-based on their characteristics:

According to NIST, there are four types of clouds based on their deployment characteristics:

Private cloud: In private cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premise or off-premise.

Community cloud: In community cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). The organizations or a third party may manage it and may exist on-premise or off-premise.

Public cloud: In a public cloud, the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services.

Hybrid cloud: In a hybrid cloud, cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).

CSIR-Knowgate:

CSIR-Knowgate is a CSIR knowledge gateway and open source private cloud infrastructure. As we know that in private cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by an organization or third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. A private cloud can make it easier for an organization to customize its resources to meet specific IT requirements. Private clouds are often used by government agencies, financial institutions, any other organizations seeking enhanced control over their environment.

All 39 CSIR laboratories, CSIR M(Madras) Complex and CSIR headquarters have a private cloud-based network for sharing resources and knowledge among laboratories.

 It is the best example of a private cloud and how the institutions/ organizations can be benefitted from cloud services in a cost-effective and more organized and more accessible way. An Open Source Software Technology Solution Cell (OSSTSC) which provides Open Source Software solution for library automation, digital libraries, building institutional repositories, network security, and management is on the cloud to provide its services to all KRCs of CSIR labs. Koha, an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS) is being used in KRCs.

Objectives:

• Sharing of computing resources and technology (Open Sources Software) within a private cloud network of laboratories.
• An open-source software-based integrated library management system work through cloud infrastructure in all Knowledge Resource Centers (KRCs) of laboratories.
• To share information resources among these KRCs.
• Analyzing research and technical data generated in all laboratories.

In the context of libraries, the very aim is to make all the library resources to be accessible to maximum users which can be achieved with sharing and distribution of resources within a community. 

CSIR Distributed Library:

CSIR distributed library is a virtual library having the holdings of the Knowledge Resource Centers (KRCs) of all CSIR laboratories. It is an example of hosting your OPAC on the cloud. Users can access the resources available in all the KRCs through the virtual union catalog. These resources can also be shared among the libraries through the ILL (InterLibrary Loan) feature of a virtual union catalog. Thus, CSIR Distributed library is helping in information dissemination.

References:

• https://librarycognizance.blogspot.com/2017/12/blog-post.html
• http://knowgate.niscair.res.in/welcome
• https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/overview/what-are-private-public-hybrid-clouds/