Large Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing: MSS Case Study Analysis

This case study analyzes the distributed system requirements of Melbourne Streaming Services (MSS), a multinational multimedia company. The assignment explores the differences between traditional computing and distributed systems, emphasizing the importance of security, transparency, and scalability in distributed environments. It examines various cloud service models, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), along with public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment options. The study recommends a hybrid cloud approach for MSS, suggesting private clouds for its R&D centers and third-party cloud services for its online video game streaming platform. This recommendation is justified by considering MSS's system requirements, including the need for scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to support a large number of online subscribers across multiple countries. The case study also references supporting literature to validate the proposed solutions and strategies for MSS's distributed system design and implementation.

1
Melbourne Streaming Services Distributed System Case Study
Student name
Professor’s name
Unit title
Date

2
Large Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
A distributed system is made up of autonomous computers that are linked using a
distribution middleware. They assist in allocating different capabilities and resources,
providing users with a common and cohesive coherent network. Traditional centralized
computer architectures are different from distributed systems in several ways. The traditional
architectures are made up of several pieces of hardware such as a desktop computer, linked to
a network through a remote server. The server is basically installed on the building, providing
the workers using the hardware, accessibility to the organization’s stored data and
applications (Mell, 2011). The core differences between traditional computing and distributed
systems include; traditional computing networks apply direct cable connections and are much
quicker than distributed systems that are wireless, traditional architectures are also more
secure when compared to distributed systems which are more difficult to secure due to their
wide scalability and multiple wireless connectivity. Also, the traditional computer systems
are much easier to understand and use especially for individuals with less expertise on
networking and IT since they have less transmission problems. Distributed systems which
incorporate different components make it complex for the common user to comprehend and
use.
Applying security policies to the interdependent system is a great concern in
distributed system. Seen as distributed systems handle sensitive data and information, the
system should integrate strict security and privacy measures. Safeguarding components of the
distributed system including its base resources, communications, storage as well as user
interface I/O are much important issues in distributed systems (Kamal Sheel Mishra, 2014).
Transparency is also a key issue for distributed systems. It entails to what extent the
distributed system appears as a single system to the users. Distributed systems ought to be

3
designed in a manner that hides the complexity of the system to a great extent. Scalability is
also a primary issue of distributed system. The scaling concern is made up of dimensions
such as communication capacity. The system ought to be developed in a manner that could be
increased with the rising demand on the system.
Distributed systems are significantly different from cloud computing systems in terms
of services they offer to users. The aim of distributed computing is availing collaborative
resource sharing through connecting resources and users. Distributed computing attempts to
offer administrative, size, as well as geographical scalability. Cloud computing, on the other
hand, is concerned with delivering applications or services in on demand environment with
set objectives of acquiring better scalability and transparency (Mell, 2011). Cloud computing
is a technology offering a range of resources as services, especially on the internet, while
distributed computing applies a range of machines and functions as a common unit in solving
a large scale challenge.
Infrastructure Recommendation and Justification
Cloud computing services are divided into three categories; infrastructure-as-a-service
(Iaas), Platform-as-a-service (Paas) and Software-as-a-service (Saas). Iaas are composed of
highly scalable and automatic computer resources. IaaS is a complete self -service offering
accessibility and monitoring of computers, networking, storage as well as other services.
PaaS offers a platform allowing software development. The platform is accessed through the
web. SaaS uses the internet in delivering applications, operated by third-party vendors.
Public clouds
Public clouds involve the cloud services that are offered by third-party providers
through a network that is open for public use. Clients share similar hardware, software and
network devices with others from the same provider. One of the benefits of using public

4
clouds is its guarantee in providing cloud services that are compliant with government
regulations. Public clouds operate under the computing policies set by regulatory bodies
(Kamal Sheel Mishra, 2014). Also they are cost effective since they minimize infrastructure
expenses for the client. It operates under a “pay-as-you- go” method as clients purchase only
the services they require. Public clouds however bear certain drawbacks. One is its lack of
privacy and high security risks resulting from vulnerabilities of sharing resources. It is also
slow in performance since network connectivity can experience instabilities due to spikes in
using the cloud. Users also do not have complete control of the platform, public clouds allow
less customizing and the service provider is the sole party with controlling its functionality
and configurations
Private clouds
Private clouds refer to cloud deployment models operating for a single organization
only. It could be physically located at the organization’s premises or data centre, or managed
and hosted by third-party providers. Private clouds do not allow resources to be shared with
other organizations, meaning the clients have complete responsibility for its management.
Among the benefits of using a private cloud is its high security and privacy (Kamal Sheel
Mishra, 2014). Only the client accesses the cloud resources which are not shared with others,
minimizing vulnerabilities that expose the client’s information and data to external breaches.
Another advantage is it gives clients greater control and enhanced reliability over the server.
It has more possibilities in terms of customizing the cloud environment. It also offers
enhanced performance capabilities since clients can customize the cloud to fit their
necessities in terms of speed, storage and scalability. Certain disadvantages face public
clouds. One is it is expensive to invest in a private cloud infrastructure. The expenses of
operating the cloud are on the company since they are responsible for maintaining it. In
certain instances, it could lead to a slowdown in performance since accessing data remotely is

5
challenging. Also, applying private clouds could result in incompliances with local
regulations. Certain regions have laws limiting the use and development of private cloud
resources.
Private and third-party cloud services
Private and third party cloud computing is also recognized as hybrid clouds. Hybrid
clouds combine both private and public cloud deployment models. They are bound together
offering both infrastructures to the organization applying them. Organizations using hybrid
clouds are able to move data and applications between private and public clouds depending
on their use. One advantage of using hybrid cloud services is its flexibility and control.
Companies have the option of allocating resources depending on the unique case. It is also
cost effective since companies can only seek the extra capacity when they need it. It however
has certain disadvantages such as slow performance. The slowness arises from challenges in
integrating application and data when creating a hybrid cloud (Mell, 2011). Compliancy is
also a concern. Similarly to private clouds, hybrid clouds also face restrictions depending on
the policies of the region it is being deployed. It is also vulnerable to a mix of security risks.
Its hybrid nature adds infrastructure complexity to the organization operating it hence
managing its security features becomes more complex.
Recommended Cloud Service for MSS
Private and third party cloud computing would be the best option for MSS suiting
their unique needs. Its research and development centres that are located in Miami, Berlin and
Tokyo could operate on private cloud services. The data centres handle the company’s critical
data and information making their security a sensitive matter. Therefore, by implementing
private cloud services in each centre, the organization’s network resources will be more
secure. It will also give them total control of the infrastructure handling the company’s R&D

6
allowing MSS to customize it in a manner that boosts the speed of the projects undertaken.
MSS could use the third-party cloud services in running its recently launched online networks
that allows multiplayers to stream video games. Third party cloud services would be
appropriate for the new project since it will be less costly for the company. Through the
project, MSS targets to offer free unlimited accessibility to a range of more than 500 highly
well known video games to its consumers. Operational expenses in maintaining such servers
and systems would be high hence transferring the streaming platform infrastructure to a third
party would be affordable for MSS.
In addition, MSS has several system requirements for its distributed system and has
set targets for the system to achieve within certain time-frames. The company wants a
distributed system that leverages its four-tier web service design, and, within its initial year of
establishment, the system should have the capacity to handle a significant number of online
subscribers playing close to 90 million hours of the company’s collaborative video games in
over 100 countries. In addition, the company anticipates the system to expand to a capacity
that can handle a subscription scale of 100 percent in five years’ time. Therefore, by
deploying hybrid cloud services, MSS will be scaling up on the areas they find necessary
both locally and internationally and in a timely fashion. The hybrid cloud services are also
suitable for the organization as they are highly reliable since its services (video games, music
and videos) will be spread across multiple data centres distributed on private and public data
centres.

7
References
Bittencourt, L.F., Madeira, E.R. and Da Fonseca, N.L., 2012. Scheduling in hybrid
clouds. IEEE Communications Magazine, 50(9), pp.42-47.
Ghazizadeh, A., 2012, March. Cloud computing benefits and architecture in e-
learning. In 2012 IEEE Seventh International Conference on Wireless, Mobile and
Ubiquitous Technology in Education (pp. 199-201). IEEE.
Goyal, S., 2014. Public vs private vs hybrid vs community-cloud computing: a critical
review. International Journal of Computer Network and Information Security, 6(3),
p.20.
JoSEP, A.D., KAtz, R., KonWinSKi, A., Gunho, L.E.E., PAttERSon, D. and
RABKin, A., 2010. A view of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 53(4).
Kamal Sheel Mishra, a. A. K. T., 2014. Some Issues, Challenges and Problems of
Distributed Software System. International Journal of Computer Science and
Information Technologies, 5 (4), pp. 4922-4925 .
Kuyoro, S.O., Ibikunle, F. and Awodele, O., 2011. Cloud computing security issues
and challenges. International Journal of Computer Networks (IJCN), 3(5), pp.247-
255.
Mell, P. and Grance, T., 2011. The NIST definition of cloud computing.
Sotomayor, B., Montero, R.S., Llorente, I.M. and Foster, I., 2009. Virtual
infrastructure management in private and hybrid clouds. IEEE Internet
computing, 13(5), pp.14-22.
Van Steen, M., Pierre, G. and Voulgaris, S., 2012. Challenges in very large distributed
systems. Journal of Internet Services and Applications, 3(1), pp.59-66.

8
Vecchiola, C., Chu, X., Mattess, M. and Buyya, R., 2011. Aneka—integration of
private and public clouds. Cloud Computing Principles and Paradigms. Hoboken, NJ,
USA: Wiley, pp.251-274.