In the past decade, we have
seen a big switch from client run software to online services. Some services
such as scientific data repositories were a natural fit for a centralized
online implementation (but one day we can see a distributed versions of those).
Others, such as Science-as-a-Service
platforms, were more convenient and scalable versions of the client/desktop based software. One thing is
certain - online platforms, available 24/7 via a web browser have proven to be
very convenient in a range of tasks such as communication, sharing data, and
data processing. Non-profit sector (such as projects funded by scientific grants)
has also entered this domain. There are countless examples where modern web
technologies based on centralized services can benefit scientists and general
public even if the service they provide is not part of a commercial operation.
This is especially true due to increased trend to share data and materials in
science. Those outputs need to be stored and made …
Brains, behaviour, statistics, and random thoughts.