Leveraging Benefits of Standardized Utility and Cloud Computing with Service-oriented Architecture in Public Protection and Disaster Relief

Abstract

The Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) organizations are using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in very heterogeneous and customized delivery methods. Majority organizations have tailored processes, contracts and technologies. In many cases, these are managed by internal and external suppliers. Currently, ICT field is going through many innovations as a process of evaluation in technologies. On the one hand, cloud computing, utility computing and service-oriented architecture (SOA) have shown promising potential. While on the other hand, these technologies are bringing various challenges. There is a gap in knowledge leveraging benefits of such technologies, especially in the fields of PPDR. This paper studies utility and cloud computing with service-oriented architecture in the context of ICT services. The study argues that all processes, technologies and contracts in utility computing should be standardized to leverage the full benefits of these innovative technologies in PPDR. Paper also discusses and describes the benefits of standardization as well as some potential issues due to lack of standardization.