Cloud Computing and Virtual Desktop Infrastructures in Afloat Environments

Abstract

The phenomenon of “cloud computing” has become ubiquitous among users of the Internet and many commercial applications. Yet, the U.S. Navy has conducted limited research in this nascent technology. This thesis explores the application and integration of cloud computing both at the shipboard level and in a multi-ship environment. A virtual desktop infrastructure, mirroring a shipboard environment, was built and analyzed in the Cloud Lab at the Naval Postgraduate School, which offers a potential model for the foundation of a cloud computing infrastructure in a network environment aboard ship. This research develops a Concept of Operations to propose how a cloud computing infrastructure may be employed and how it might operate in a multi-ship environment. This thesis' findings indicate that cloud computing, when combined with virtualization technologies, can improve interoperability via the loose coupling of systems, decrease network footprints via server consolidation, and increase elasticity of resources. Additionally, cloud computing may alleviate bandwidth constraints because data and information in a cloud network can be stored, shared, and accessed locally. This could also reduce if not eliminate reachback through satellites. Future efforts in this area of research may involve more rigorous testing, and opportunities toward improved security, as well as leveraging ever-improving cloud software.