SoLiXG:Computational Infrastructure: Difference between revisions
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== Computational Infrastructure == | == Computational Infrastructure == | ||
Computational infrastructure brings together | Computational infrastructure brings together processing power, memory, networking and storage to host billions of services and devices. Operating in diverse [[SoLiXG:Key-concepts#Geopolitics|geopolitical]] and financial contexts, computational infrastructure brings large amounts of hardware together in strategically placed data-centres. These are connected through public and private networks to deliver [[SoLiXG:Key-concepts#Compute|compute-as-a-service]]. Smartphones are essential accessories for computational infrastructures, because they provide uniquely addressable nodes for delivery on the one hand, and demand for continuous streams of data on the other. | ||
Contemporary computational infrastructure or The Cloud consolidates a software paradigm which promises to optimize for flexibility and scalability. It relies on running software on a server which carries out most of the necessary computation, allowing for continuous centrally managed updates but necessitating clients to be always connected.<ref>Gurses, Seda, and Joris Vredy Jan van Hoboken. “Privacy after the Agile Turn,” May 2, 2017. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/9gy73.</ref> This so-called agile approach to software production ultimately shifts the management of and responsibility for core operations away from industry, governments or institutional sites. | Contemporary computational infrastructure or The Cloud consolidates a software paradigm which promises to optimize for flexibility and scalability. It relies on running software on a server which carries out most of the necessary computation, allowing for continuous centrally managed updates but necessitating clients to be always connected.<ref>Gurses, Seda, and Joris Vredy Jan van Hoboken. “Privacy after the Agile Turn,” May 2, 2017. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/9gy73.</ref> This so-called agile approach to software production ultimately shifts the management of and responsibility for core operations away from industry, governments or institutional sites. | ||
The biggest part of computational infrastructure today is managed by Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple and Microsoft. These companies are owned by shareholders, who need to prove growth year on year. Their services need to be expanded into new areas continuously, to increase the need for more Cloud services, or more [[SoLiXG:Key-concepts#Compute|compute]]. As an economic model, computational infrastructure relies on "pay-for-what-you-consume" or subscriptions. It allows organisation to shift Capital Expenses (CAPEX) to Operational Expenses (OPEX), thereby increasing cash flow within their organisation but also creating increased dependencies. | The biggest part of computational infrastructure today is managed by Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple and Microsoft. These companies are owned by shareholders, who need to prove growth year on year. Their services need to be expanded into new areas continuously, to increase the need for more Cloud services, or more [[SoLiXG:Key-concepts#Compute|compute]]. As an economic model, computational infrastructure relies on "pay-for-what-you-consume" or subscriptions. It allows organisation to shift Capital Expenses (CAPEX) to Operational Expenses (OPEX), thereby increasing cash flow within their organisation but also creating increased dependencies. | ||
Revision as of 05:58, 5 October 2023
Computational Infrastructure
Computational infrastructure brings together processing power, memory, networking and storage to host billions of services and devices. Operating in diverse geopolitical and financial contexts, computational infrastructure brings large amounts of hardware together in strategically placed data-centres. These are connected through public and private networks to deliver compute-as-a-service. Smartphones are essential accessories for computational infrastructures, because they provide uniquely addressable nodes for delivery on the one hand, and demand for continuous streams of data on the other.
Contemporary computational infrastructure or The Cloud consolidates a software paradigm which promises to optimize for flexibility and scalability. It relies on running software on a server which carries out most of the necessary computation, allowing for continuous centrally managed updates but necessitating clients to be always connected.[1] This so-called agile approach to software production ultimately shifts the management of and responsibility for core operations away from industry, governments or institutional sites.
The biggest part of computational infrastructure today is managed by Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple and Microsoft. These companies are owned by shareholders, who need to prove growth year on year. Their services need to be expanded into new areas continuously, to increase the need for more Cloud services, or more compute. As an economic model, computational infrastructure relies on "pay-for-what-you-consume" or subscriptions. It allows organisation to shift Capital Expenses (CAPEX) to Operational Expenses (OPEX), thereby increasing cash flow within their organisation but also creating increased dependencies.
- ↑ Gurses, Seda, and Joris Vredy Jan van Hoboken. “Privacy after the Agile Turn,” May 2, 2017. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/9gy73.