Cloud Computing For Distributed University Campus: A Prototype Suggestion Mehmet Fatih Erkoç, Serhat Bahadir Kert mferkoc@yildiz.edu.tr , sbkert@yildiz.edu.tr Yildiz Technical University (Turkey) Abstract In this paper we discuss the “Cloud Computing” architecture, cloud services, layers and types of cloud and propose a cloud infrastructure prototype for distributed university campus. Cloud Computing can be defined as providing resources and capabilities of Information Technology (e.g., applications, storages, communication, collaboration, infrastructure) via services offered by cloud computing providers. Cloud Computing has various characteristics as shared infrastructure, self-service, pay-per- use model, dynamic and virtualized, elastic and scalable. Nowadays, because of the increasing popularity of Cloud Computing many giant IT companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Amazon interest developing new cloud environments due to advantages of the Cloud Computing technology include cost, availability, and scalability. A Cloud Computing service has ubiquitous access through a Web browser or mobile device with APIs or special desktop applications developed by cloud service provider. Use of Cloud Computing on universities has many benefits such as accessing the file storages, e-mails, databases, educational resources, research applications and tools anywhere for faculty, administrators, staff, students and other users in university, on demand. Furthermore, cloud computing reduces universities’ IT complexity and cost. It is argued that cloud computing paradigms and characteristic, service and deployment model of cloud computing technology in first section of this paper. Then we discuss the implementation of cloud services at universities and various opportunities and benefits of cloud services for universities. Finally, we present suggested cloud infrastructure prototype for distributed campus. 1 Introduction Nowadays, “Cloud Computing” is most discussed term in business and academic environment. Because of the increasing popularity, many giant IT companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Google and Amazon interest Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing refers to the applications, development platforms, and hardware delivered as services over the Internet by cloud providers [1; 2; 3]. Cloud computing is the next natural step in the evolution of on-demand information technology services and products [4]. Many managers in small business and academicians in universities are not aware of benefits and characteristic of minimizing the cost of cloud computing. IT companies are eager to encourage educational adoption of cloud computing; for example, Google has designed cloud based Google- Apps for educational usage [3], and another example, IBM launched IBM Cloud Academy that is provide a global forum for educators, researchers and IT professionals from education industry to pursue cloud computing initiatives, develop skills and share best practices for reducing operating costs while improving quality and access to education [5]. Some benefits of Cloud Computing can be listed: • Reduced implementation and maintenance costs • Increased mobility for a global workforce • Flexible and scalable infrastructures • Quick time to market • IT department transformation (focus on innovation vs. Maintenance and implementation) • “Greening” of the data center • Increased availability of high-performance applications to small/medium-sized businesses [6].