Architecting Cloud Solutions for Improved Consulting Practices: Leveraging Simulation for Cost, Performance, and Energy Efficiency

Abstract

With the emergence of cloud computing in the IT industry, more companies than ever are moving resources to the cloud. Cloud consultants currently help companies by relying on experience. Still, this approach often leads to a poor migration job, typically resulting in over-provisioning expensive resources for the clients' setups. This paper investigates the integration of cloud simulators into the consulting process to assist consultants in making data-driven recommendations to their clients. The simulations could provide metrics on cost-effectiveness, performance, and energy efficiency. The paper is initiated by a systematic review of state-of-the-art cloud simulators, followed by an industry survey to address the identified knowledge gaps. This formed the basis for a practical use case identified through collaborative efforts with Eficode, a consultancy company. The evaluation results reveal that simulating cloud architecture models has significant potential to help the consultants by facilitating a data-driven approach, allowing the consultants to help companies achieve cost savings and optimize resource allocation during cloud migration.