Science Gateway Canvas

Abstract

Science Gateways (SGs) have emerged as systems that facilitate access to cyberinfrastructures. There is a growing interest in the exploitation and development of SGs. However, it remains challenging to understand and design SG with the required properties because of the complex nature of SGs. Additionally, it is difficult to decide upon frameworks that can be used to build them. In this paper we propose the Science Gateway Canvas, a business reference model for SGs that embodies the common SG functions and their organization into groups and categories. We used the Science Gateway Canvas for a systematic analysis and comparison of the functions offered by a selection of available frameworks that are used to build SGs. This illustrated the applicability of the Science Gateway Canvas as a comprehensive and generic reference model for understanding SGs. The canvas can also be used for systematic analysis by scientists who are searching for an existing SG that supports their research goal or developers who want to determine the functional requirements for a new SG.

The gCube system: Delivering Virtual Research Environments as-a-Service

“…There are many frameworks that can be used to build such systems. Shahand et al [9] have identified eleven frameworks explicitly exploited to develop Science Gateway including Apache Airavata, Catania SG Gateway, Globus, HUBzero(+Pegasus), ICAT Job Portal, and WS-PGRADE/gUSE. Such frameworks are quite diverse, e.g.…”

“…The development of such environments aiming at facilitating scientists tasks is challenging from the system engineering perspective. Several technologies and skills are needed [8,9]. Moreover, (a) people having the requested expertise (mainly expertise related with IT) are not always available in the scientific contexts calling for VREs, and (b) technology is in continuous evolution thus offering new opportunities for implementing existing facilities in innovative ways or integrating innovative facilities in existing VREs.…”