Cloud Computing Continuum Research Topics and Challenges. A Multi-source Analysis

Abstract

While the emergence of COVID-19 [1] has put major cloud service providers around the world to the test, the pandemic has also provided a strong impetus for the adoption and deployment of cloud computing: the transition to a remote workforce, entertainment, e-commerce, and especially remote education have affected the cloud industry and how providers are responding to the sudden and significant increase in demand for cloud solutions and services. Obviously, while highlighting the robustness of the public cloud, the pandemic-induced situation also highlights several important research challenges that need to be addressed.

This paper presents a multi-source based analysis for the identification of cloud computing research challenges as part of the road mapping methodology followed in the HUB4CLOUD project. The analysis consists of an in-depth study of several sources including analysis of the international context, analysis of academic venues, interviews with relevant stakeholders and existing funded projects.

The paper also provides an overview of the main research topics identified and proposes next steps for the utilization of these finding in the development of a Cloud Computing research roadmap.