State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality To the cloud my friend! Steve Alison – Georgia EPD Simon Watson – Windsor Why Georgia has its node in the cloud

Session 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.

Topics The challenge ◦ goals ◦ approach ◦ future The solution ◦ architecture ◦ choices ◦ conclusion Questions

The Challenge

The challenge Costly support contract in place at the state level. Lengthy turnaround in resolving issues Lack 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.

Vision State Supported Infrastructure Dependence – removed Node Upgrade – included Flow Support – included Reliability - maximum Infrastructure – provided Technology Currency - included Technology Platform - indifferent Need for own EN skilled staff – gone Peace of mind – in the cloud

the pictorial view

Approach Georgia 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.

Future So 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 Solution

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” Essentially, “Internet-based hosting of application(s) and/or service(s)”. We are all likely to use some cloud based services Back up (iCloud, Mozy, Carbonite) / Calendaring (Gmail) Collaboration / Social (Picassa, Pandora, DropBox) Hosting Services (RackSpace, Amazon, Microsoft)

Architecture - Georgia Windsor Cloud Node EPA DNR Secure Tunnel / Direct DB OpenNodeC Amazon EC2 SaaS model Periodic pull Cached data in Node Node DB services all queries

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

Cloud & EN Another 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 Cloud Massive 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 Cloud Factors driving others to choose a cloud option Scalability Overall Cost Savings Easier Management Redundancy Greater Flexibility Elasticity/Ability to adjust to fluctuations in resource demands Improved Hardware Utilization Security

Reasons to be careful Still some challenges ahead. In particular building confidence and trust. Network Lag Security Availability Costs Trust Control

The conclusion Is 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

Questions

Contact Information Steve Allison Georgia EPD Simon Watson Windsor Solutions, Inc