Cloud computing and RESERVOIR project

The support for complex services delivery is becoming a key point in current internet technology. Current trends in internet applications are characterized by on demand delivery of ever growing amounts of content. The future internet of services will have to deliver content intensive applications to users with quality of service and security guarantees. This paper describes the RESERVOIR project and the challenge of a reliable and effective delivery of services as utilities in a commercial scenario. It starts by analyzing the needs of a future infrastructure provider and introducing the key concept of a service oriented architecture that combines virtualisation-aware grid with grid-aware virtualisation, while being driven by business service management. This article will then focus on the benefits and the innovations derived from the RESERVOIR approach. Eventually, a high level view of RESERVOIR general architecture is illustrated

From Sensor to Observation Web with Environmental Enablers in the Future Internet

This paper outlines the grand challenges in global sustainability research and the objectives of the FP7 Future Internet PPP program within the Digital Agenda for Europe. Large user communities are generating significant amounts of valuable environmental observations at local and regional scales using the devices and services of the Future Internet. These communities’ environmental observations represent a wealth of information which is currently hardly used or used only in isolation and therefore in need of integration with other information sources. Indeed, this very integration will lead to a paradigm shift from a mere Sensor Web to an Observation Web with semantically enriched content emanating from sensors, environmental simulations and citizens. The paper also describes the research challenges to realize the Observation Web and the associated environmental enablers for the Future Internet. Such an environmental enabler could for instance be an electronic sensing device, a web-service application, or even a social networking group affording or facilitating the capability of the Future Internet applications to consume, produce, and use environmental observations in cross-domain applications. The term ?envirofied? Future Internet is coined to describe this overall target that forms a cornerstone of work in the Environmental Usage Area within the Future Internet PPP program. Relevant trends described in the paper are the usage of ubiquitous sensors (anywhere), the provision and generation of information by citizens, and the convergence of real and virtual realities to convey understanding of environmental observations. The paper addresses the technical challenges in the Environmental Usage Area and the need for designing multi-style service oriented architecture. Key topics are the mapping of requirements to capabilities, providing scalability and robustness with implementing context aware information retrieval. Another essential research topic is handling data fusion and model based computation, and the related propagation of information uncertainty. Approaches to security, standardization and harmonization, all essential for sustainable solutions, are summarized from the perspective of the Environmental Usage Area. The paper concludes with an overview of emerging, high impact applications in the environmental areas concerning land ecosystems (biodiversity), air quality (atmospheric conditions) and water ecosystems (marine asset management)

Managing the Future Internet through Intelligent In-Network Substrates

The current Internet has been founded on the architectural premise of a simple network service used to interconnect relatively intelligent end systems. While this simplicity allowed it to reach an impressive scale, the predictive manner in which ISP networks are currently planned and configured through external management systems and the uniform treatment of all traffic are hampering its use as a unifying multi-service network. The future Internet will need to be more intelligent and adaptive, optimizing continuously the use of its resources and recovering from transient problems, faults and attacks without any impact on the demanding services and applications running over it. This article describes an architecture that allows intelligence to be introduced within the network to support sophisticated self-management functionality in a coordinated and controllable manner. The presented approach, based on intelligent substrates, can potentially make the Internet more adaptable, agile, sustainable, and dependable given the requirements of emerging services with highly demanding traffic and rapidly changing locations. We discuss how the proposed framework can be applied to three representative emerging scenarios: dynamic traffic engineering (load balancing across multiple paths); energy efficiency in ISP network infrastructures; and cache management in content-centric networks

Distributed All-IP Mobility Management Architecture Supported by the NDN Overlay

Two of the most promising candidate solutions for realizing the next-generation all-IP mobile networks are Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6), which is the host-based and global mobility supporting protocol, and Proxy MIPv6 (PMIPv6), which is the network-based and localized mobility supporting protocol. However, the unprecedented growth of mobile Internet traffic has resulted in the development of distributed mobility management (DMM) architecture by the Internet engineering task force DMM working group. The extension of the basic MIPv6 and PMIPv6 to support their distributed and scalable deployment in the future is one of the major goals of the DMM working group. We propose an all-IP-based mobility management architecture that leverages the concept of Named Data Networking (NDN), which is a distributed content management and addressing architecture. In the proposed solution, mobility support services are distributed among multiple anchor points at the edge of the network, thereby enabling a flat architecture that exploits name-based routing in NDN. Our approach overcomes some of the major limitations of centralized IP mobility management solutions, by extending existing routing protocol and mobility management architecture, to distribute the mobility management function of anchor points in the IP network and optimize the transmission path of mobile traffic

A Web-Based Dynamic and Interactive Distance Learning System

Presently, advances in Internet technology and the human-computer interface have created a wealth of new opportunities for the development of webbased interactive distance learning systems. However, most of the effort of developing the system focused on the information receiver and less on helping the information provider in delivering the information. This thesis describes WebEd, a user-friendly system that facilitates the information provider or the instructor to carry out web-based courses. The WebEd approach is to make the instructor centrally involved and maintain the ownership of their courses. It also enables the students to access the course and interact with the instructor with the aid of the system provided services. The system supports various services for system management, communications, file management, and content management and retrieval. Some of the examples of services provided by the system are Appointment Manager, Announcement Board, Content Manager, etc. WebEd distance learning system is dynamic and interactive, being developed using Java and CGI script. A JavaCGI proxy has been developed to handle the dynamically generated pages and services. The system is built on a 3-tier architecture which splits the system processing load between the client-side workstation that runs on a browser, web server that sends HTTP commands over a network and WebEd services that handle the web-based distance learning activities. No installations are required in order to access the system as the courses are accessible via a browser. An evaluation on the system has been conducted in getting users feedback. Analyses based on the system evaluation have been carried out to identify weaknesses of the system. Finally, the system limitations and proposed solutions are suggested for future enhancement of the system

QOE-AWARE CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR ADAPTIVE BITRATE VIDEO STREAMING

A prodigious increase in video streaming content along with a simultaneous rise in end system capabilities has led to the proliferation of adaptive bit rate video streaming users in the Internet. Today, video streaming services range from Video-on-Demand services like traditional IP TV to more recent technologies such as immersive 3D experiences for live sports events. In order to meet the demands of these services, the multimedia and networking research community continues to strive toward efficiently delivering high quality content across the Internet while also trying to minimize content storage and delivery costs. The introduction of flexible and adaptable technologies such as compute and storage clouds, Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networking continue to fuel content provider revenue. Today, content providers such as Google and Facebook build their own Software-Defined WANs to efficiently serve millions of users worldwide, while NetFlix partners with ISPs such as ATT (using OpenConnect) and cloud providers such as Amazon EC2 to serve their content and manage the delivery of several petabytes of high-quality video content for millions of subscribers at a global scale, respectively. In recent years, the unprecedented growth of video traffic in the Internet has seen several innovative systems such as Software Defined Networks and Information Centric Networks as well as inventive protocols such as QUIC, in an effort to keep up with the effects of this remarkable growth. While most existing systems continue to sub-optimally satisfy user requirements, future video streaming systems will require optimal management of storage and bandwidth resources that are several orders of magnitude larger than what is implemented today. Moreover, Quality-of-Experience metrics are becoming increasingly fine-grained in order to accurately quantify diverse content and consumer needs. In this dissertation, we design and investigate innovative adaptive bit rate video streaming systems and analyze the implications of recent technologies on traditional streaming approaches using real-world experimentation methods. We provide useful insights for current and future content distribution network administrators to tackle Quality-of-Experience dilemmas and serve high quality video content to several users at a global scale. In order to show how Quality-of-Experience can benefit from core network architectural modifications, we design and evaluate prototypes for video streaming in Information Centric Networks and Software-Defined Networks. We also present a real-world, in-depth analysis of adaptive bitrate video streaming over protocols such as QUIC and MPQUIC to show how end-to-end protocol innovation can contribute to substantial Quality-of-Experience benefits for adaptive bit rate video streaming systems. We investigate a cross-layer approach based on QUIC and observe that application layer-based information can be successfully used to determine transport layer parameters for ABR streaming applications

Managing Digital Platforms in the age of Chinese streaming services in Southeast Asia

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, web2.0/web 3.0 services are emerging that are changing how media content are packaged, curated, delivered to, and engage with audiences. As television audiences in China and Southeast Asia engage in multi-screen use and time-shifting behaviour, they are moving away from traditional one-way broadcast services delivered in China and Southeast Asia. How do Chinese online media streaming platforms such as iQiyi (Baidu), Youku, Tudou (Alibaba) and Tencent Video (Tencent), known as BAT in China, use information-based technologies to customise and manage their media services to audiences across different markets? How do they compete with others such as Netflix, Viki (USA), iFlix (Malaysia), Viu (Hong Kong) among others, operating in Southeast Asia to deliver engaging TV content online to audiences? Using the recent case study of iQiyi and Tencent Video streaming popular Chinese palace dramas in 2018 (such as “Yanxi Palace” and “Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace”, respectively), the paper describes how Chinese digital platforms are redefining the use of a global “Internet platform” in Asia. This global platform is then a complex network of virtual and infrastructural organizations – shaped by both a frenzy of online traffic and user-generated content, video sharing and instant messaging, as well as new online and mobile systems that are distributing products and services, while also facilitating the use of Artificial Intelligence in data tracking and curating content online for users. Secondly, this paper examines how the different virtual and infrastructural layers of these digital media internet platforms that characterise online streaming media services, combine with the decision-making variable of the “8Ps” of “integrated service management” (Lovelock and Wright, 2002); and marketing power of digital platforms (Lin and Wang, 2018) to deliver and engage with their audiences, users and participants, as customers. Thirdly, it will also discuss how “platformization”, “platform capitalism” (Srnicek, 2017) and “digital capitalism” (Hong, 2017) are “positioning strategies” (Trout, 1997) used by Chinese digital platforms to create new “competitive advantage” where internet is an enabling technology (Porter, 2001) and adopt new rules of engagement with customers as “value creators” (Wladawsky-Berger, 2016) within China, and to expand their global reach beyond China, into Southeast Asia (Steinberg and Li, 2017). Finally, the paper will also reflect on how these Chinese platforms’ on-going delivery of products and services are now facing service delivery issues and challenges (such as uneven physical distribution infrastructure, excessive government regulation, and poor quality of service). However, the rise of such online media services is contributing to the transformation of the global Internet media, and we will discuss its implications for managing digital media services in future (Xu et al, 2017)

A Novel Application: Using Mobile Technology to Connect Physical and Virtual Reference Collections

This chapter describes an innovative implementation of the use of iPad kiosks to blur the lines between physical and virtual library collections. Providence College’s Phillips Memorial Library + Commons began lending iPads to students, faculty, and staff in 2012. In addition to lending the devices, library staff dedicated time to learning about both task-based and subject-based mobile applications that would be of use to our community. A small group of library staff tested, discussed, and vetted a variety of apps that would be deployed on the iPads to be lent out. Efforts were made to promote the use and discovery of various apps on the devices through thoughtful organization of the apps on the devices themselves, programming around applications, and the creation of an online research guide designed to teach more about the apps. Despite these initiatives, assessment data from the iPad lending program collected over the course of five semesters suggests that patrons borrowing the iPads are using them primarily for accessing the Internet (Safari, Chrome, etc.), social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and consuming media (YouTube, Netflix, Pandora, Spotify, etc.). With this data in mind, library staff began to think of alternative ways to connect our patrons with useful, content-based, mobile applications. Drawing on research around the Internet of Things and the integration of digital technologies with our physical lives, the Digital Publishing Services Coordinator suggested positioning iPad kiosks strategically within the library’s physical book collection as a means to connect patrons browsing a given area of the stacks with the library’s online resources related to that subject area. The library’s Commons Technology Specialist had experience with iPad kiosks and programming the iPads as he had managed the logistics of the iPad lending program since its inception. Working collaboratively, these colleagues devised a way to image the iPads for public use and load them with subject-specific apps as well as links to library databases and open web resources. The team chose to use Scalar as the primary content management tool for kiosk content. This chapter provides details about the selection and deployment of content for the Theology Kiosk, signage and communications created to attract patrons to the kiosk, and initial data about kiosk use. The piece concludes with a review of the kiosk project and an outline of future planning related to the project (staff time, hardware and software requirements, usability testing, scaling the project, etc.)

Healthway: A Personal Health Record System for User to Manage Their Own Health Condition

The 21st century is the era of the Internet, big data, but also the era of AI. The vigorous development of AI and Internet technology has also injected fresh blood into the traditional medical industry. Today, the Internet affects every aspect of the medical and health industry. For example, medical providers can use the Electronic Health Record System (EHR) to quickly obtain the necessary information and data to assist them to make disease diagnoses. The remote consultation and consultation of medical staff also require the help of the Internet, especially the 5G Internet. In this context, the demands of individual users for health services have gradually expanded to the network, and the demands for fast access to health data, remote consultation, and medical appointments have also gradually become prominent. Especially during COVID-19, due to the city\u27s restrictions command and social distance rule, the advantages of online medical services have also been reflected. Under this situation, as the designer, I began to think about the impact of design on the medical industry. The project Healthway reflects the outlook and vision of the future medical industry. With the development of medical testing technology, a large amount of data content is continuously obtained. At present, many hospitals generally use the traditional record and storage method of handwritten or paper documents, its limitations gradually appear. Therefore, the demand for medical data analysis and visualization based on the Internet platform has gradually become one of the critical needs of the medical industry. Healthway is attempting to provide users with a wealth of health data that will allow patients to actively participate in the management of their health

Multimedia delivery in the future internet

The term “Networked Media” implies that all kinds of media including text, image, 3D graphics, audio and video are produced, distributed, shared, managed and consumed on-line through various networks, like the Internet, Fiber, WiFi, WiMAX, GPRS, 3G and so on, in a convergent manner [1]. This white paper is the contribution of the Media Delivery Platform (MDP) cluster and aims to cover the Networked challenges of the Networked Media in the transition to the Future of the Internet. Internet has evolved and changed the way we work and live. End users of the Internet have been confronted with a bewildering range of media, services and applications and of technological innovations concerning media formats, wireless networks, terminal types and capabilities. And there is little evidence that the pace of this innovation is slowing. Today, over one billion of users access the Internet on regular basis, more than 100 million users have downloaded at least one (multi)media file and over 47 millions of them do so regularly, searching in more than 160 Exabytes1 of content. In the near future these numbers are expected to exponentially rise. It is expected that the Internet content will be increased by at least a factor of 6, rising to more than 990 Exabytes before 2012, fuelled mainly by the users themselves. Moreover, it is envisaged that in a near- to mid-term future, the Internet will provide the means to share and distribute (new) multimedia content and services with superior quality and striking flexibility, in a trusted and personalized way, improving citizens’ quality of life, working conditions, edutainment and safety. In this evolving environment, new transport protocols, new multimedia encoding schemes, cross-layer inthe network adaptation, machine-to-machine communication (including RFIDs), rich 3D content as well as community networks and the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) overlays are expected to generate new models of interaction and cooperation, and be able to support enhanced perceived quality-of-experience (PQoE) and innovative applications “on the move”, like virtual collaboration environments, personalised services/ media, virtual sport groups, on-line gaming, edutainment. In this context, the interaction with content combined with interactive/multimedia search capabilities across distributed repositories, opportunistic P2P networks and the dynamic adaptation to the characteristics of diverse mobile terminals are expected to contribute towards such a vision. Based on work that has taken place in a number of EC co-funded projects, in Framework Program 6 (FP6) and Framework Program 7 (FP7), a group of experts and technology visionaries have voluntarily contributed in this white paper aiming to describe the status, the state-of-the art, the challenges and the way ahead in the area of Content Aware media delivery platforms