State of WyomingDepartment of Environmental Quality

To the cloud my friend!

Steve Alison – Georgia EPDSimon Watson – Windsor

Why Georgia has its nodein the cloud

Session PurposeSession Purpose

In 2011 Georgia EPD decided it would be beneficial to their organization to relocate their exchange network flows from an internally hosted OpenNode2 instance to a new cloud based instance “OpenNodeC”.

This session discusses why the choice was made, the solution provided and whether hosted solutions are viable for other EN participants.

TopicsTopics

The challenge◦ goals◦ approach◦ future

The solution◦ architecture◦ choices◦ conclusion

Questions

The ChallengeThe Challenge

The challengeThe challengeCostly support contract in place at the state

level.Lengthy turnaround in resolving issuesLack of skilled resources that understand the

node architecture. Difficulties in utilizing contracting

mechanisms.EPD lacked an affordable infrastructure and

sufficient skilled resources to support the EN environment.

Rapidly evolving technology stacks.

VisionVisionState Supported Infrastructure Dependence –

removed Node Upgrade – includedFlow Support – included Reliability - maximum Infrastructure – providedTechnology Currency - included Technology Platform - indifferentNeed for own EN skilled staff – gone Peace of mind – in the cloud

the pictorial viewthe pictorial view

ApproachApproachGeorgia has taken the bull by the horns.

◦ Implemented OpenNodeC instance within Amazon’s EC2 environment.

◦ Five flows TRI, WQX, Beaches, SDWIS and EIS◦ Established a Cloud Node support contract

Now◦ We don’t worry whether the node is up and running

anymore.◦ We simply have a periodic check-in with our vendor

to review status and issues (rare).◦ We are able to focus more on the data and business

of the agency rather than the technology that supports it.

FutureFutureSo what does the future hold

◦ Georgia’s EPD commitment to the cloud. Waste Water Permits SDWIS Web Water Withdrawals Permitting Current Application Migration

Next up◦ Environmental Warehouse then FRS data flow.◦ ICIS data flow◦ Electronic Permitting, Reporting, and Fee Collection

The SolutionThe Solution

Architecture – the “Cloud”Architecture – the “Cloud”

Wikipedia Definition: Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet).

Architecture – the “Cloud”Architecture – the “Cloud”

Essentially, “Internet-based hosting of application(s) and/or service(s)”.

We are all likely to use some cloud based servicesBack up (iCloud, Mozy, Carbonite) Email / Calendaring (Gmail)Collaboration / Social (Picassa, Pandora, DropBox)Hosting Services (RackSpace, Amazon, Microsoft)

Architecture - GeorgiaArchitecture - Georgia

Windsor Cloud NodeWindsor Cloud Node

EPAEPA

DNRDNR

Secure

Tunnel

/

Direct

DB

Georgia Hosted Node Flows· WQX· Beach Monitoring· Beach Notification· SDWIS· EIS· TRI

OpenNodeC•Amazon EC2•SaaS model•Periodic pull•Cached data in Node•Node DB services all queries

ChoicesChoicesWhat does all this mean to the EN?Why should I consider the cloud? What challenges still exist?What should you do?

Cloud & ENCloud & ENAnother viable alternative.Cost effective option.A hosted node could form an integral part of

a cloud based strategy.Opportunity to remove some technical

aspects of the EN and return focus to protecting the environment .

Reasons to consider the Reasons to consider the CloudCloudMassive uptake in cloud deployments as

organizations see benefits. Less dependence on a particular technology

stack. When its in the cloud it really is software in a box or Software as a Service (SaaS).

Big use of Amazon and more players available.

Best practices promised in order to provide cloud security peace of mind.

Protection of sensitive data.

Reasons to consider the Reasons to consider the CloudCloudFactors driving others to choose a cloud optionScalabilityOverall Cost SavingsEasier ManagementRedundancyGreater FlexibilityElasticity/Ability to adjust to fluctuations in resource demandsImproved Hardware UtilizationSecurity

Reasons to be carefulReasons to be careful

Still some challenges ahead. In particular building confidence and trust.•Network Lag•Security•Availability•Costs•Trust•Control

The conclusionThe conclusionIs a hosted node, or even a hosted solution the right thing for you:•Maybe, but develop a cloud strategy / approach first.•Understand your in-house ability to support the business need•Understand value of a hosted environment (cost / benefit)•Understand the migration effort to make the transition•Pilot before you go full bore

QuestionsQuestions

Contact InformationContact InformationSteve Allison

Georgia EPD

404-463-0077

steve.allison@dnr.state.ga.us

Simon Watson

Windsor Solutions, Inc.

503-675-7833

simon_watson@windsorsolutions.com