Software Defined Cyberinfrastructure for Data Management

Ryan Chard, Kyle Chard, Steven Tuecke, Ian T. Foster

Abstract: Scientific research is data-centric, relying on the acquisition, management, movement, analysis, and sharing of data. Proficiently managing the end-to-end lifecycle of scientific data is non-trivial and comprises many time consuming and mundane tasks. While individual tasks are not prohibitive, when done repeatedly and frequently they represent a significant strain on researchers. We posit that a better approach is to automate these tasks through a Software Defined Cyberinfrastructure. We have developed R IPPLE to provide such capabilities by automating research data management activities via a programmable and event-based cyber-environment. Users specify high-level management policies, such as data movement and metadata extraction, using intuitive If-Trigger-Then-Action rules. These rules are then autonomously, and reliably, executed and managed by Ripple.