This paper presents on-going research to develop the Intercloud Architecture Framework (ICAF) that addresses problems in multi-provider multi-domain heterogeneous cloud based infrastructure services and applications integration and interoperability. The paper refers to existing standards in Cloud Computing, in particular, recently published NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture (CCRA). The proposed ICAF defines four complementary components addressing Intercloud integration and interoperability: multi-layer Cloud Services Model (CSM) that combines commonly adopted cloud service models, such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, in one multilayer model with corresponding inter-layer interfaces including also access and delivery infrastructure layer; Intercloud Control and Management Plane (ICCMP) that supports cloud based applications interaction; Intercloud Federation Framework (ICFF), and Intercloud Operation Framework (ICOF). The paper provides general definition of the ICFF, its generic components and interfaces. The paper briefly describes the architectural framework for cloud based infrastructure services provisioned on-demand being developed in the framework of the GEYSERS project that provides a basis for CSM and ICCMP implementation allowing optimized provisioning of computing, storage and networking resources. The proposed architecture is intended to provide an architectural model for developing Intercloud middleware and in this way will facilitate clouds interoperability and integration.

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Over the last two decades the importance of data networking for human beings and systems has increased beyond any expectation in size, complexity and impact on society. Today, the technology is offering the ubiquitous and constant possibility to be connected to the Internet at a wide range of speeds. The traditional management solutions have up to now followed an evolutionary path, however, the scale of the Internet and emerging novel architectures such as peer-to-peer, ad-hoc networks, as well as virtualization capable network infrastructures require focused and possibly revolutionary changes in management approaches. This article elaborates on challenges posed by the virtualizations' renaissance as experienced in planning, developing and operating the FEDERICA infrastructure. The European Community co-funded project FEDERICA, like other worldwide initiatives, including FIND/GENI in the United States, NWGN in Japan, and FIRE program in Europe, is supporting the development of the future Internet. FEDE-RICA extends the virtualization capabilities of the current hardware and software to provide a flexible infrastructure to host disrupting testing by networking researchers.

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