Evolution of e-research: From infrastructure development to service orientation

Abstract

E-Research has reframed the process of research. Researchers can now access distributed data around the globe with the help of e-Research infrastructure. This paper presents an overview of the developmental process and evolution of an e-Research platform: Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) that evolved from a research infrastructure test-bed to a services oriented platform, in subsequent phases. ESGF is a leading distributed peer to peer data grid system in Earth System Modelling having around 27000 users distributed all over the world. Currently, it is a challenge faced by most of the e-Research facilities to provide user oriented services. Moreover, there is a strong need to conduct user experience and usability studies of e-Research facilities like ESGF, which is in demand. However, very few steps have been taken in practice to create a better user experience (UX), so that users’ interest can be generated to interact with e-infrastructures, on an intuitive basis. Hence, thriving the practice of e-Research and making it more interesting overtime. Finally, this paper indicates at the service oriented and usability aspects of e-Science infrastructures.