By the time you read through this article, a new Cloud Computing protocol would be born.
Cloud computing is a complex system of data compilation, processing and storage which allows the end-user to easily access information without knowing the physical location of the service provider or configuration of the computer system. The cloud computing set-up along with online Voice and Video streaming facilities are veritable tools that make the birth of e-lab and e-diagnostics protocols the next frontier of internet development.
Here is an interesting snippet on the future of cloud computing.
Firstly, let's define e-lab. It means an electronic laboratory that operates via the World Wide Web.
Presently, a typical laboratory consists of a room or building where scientific equipment or chemicals are kept. Within the confines or the laboratory, scientists conduct tests, teach or perform experiments and treat illnesses.
The constant use of equipment and chemicals by scientists necessitate costly purchase, transportation and maintenance in order to provide fast-track, competitive and cutting edge services to health-care professionals, scientists, end-users and beneficiaries.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to make laboratory more cost effective by developing the e-lab.
To measure soil acidity for instance, a pH meter is required. The price of this device ranges in tens of dollars. However, rather than purchasing a pH meters, a less costly e-lab biotechnology electrode would be provided to the end-user. When this device is immersed in a solution, it would measure the pH as encrypted information through a microprocessor in any portable computerized device, e.g. cell-phone or laptop. The digital information could then be uploaded onto the internet where the encrypted information would be processed by the e-lab service provider into a visually readable pH data. A disposable or re-usable bio-tech pH electrode might be provided.
The above-mentioned internet compatibility would be ideal for certain scientific tests such as screening of blood fluid components, eye defects, enzyme activity, optical, sonic and temperature measurements.
Secondly, e-diagnostics could be defined as the use of the internet as a source for processing digital diagnostic information by cloud computing.
This innovative technique could be illustrated by re-inventing cutting edge medical equipment such as the CT-Scan or X-ray computed Tomography device which requires a heavy purchase, maintenance and overhead cost.
CT-Scan is used as a veritable tool for prevention-cum-screening of cancers, heart and bone diseases. it is a necessity in any modern hospital setting.
Although the usage of the CT-Scan has increased exponentially over the last three decades in many countries, its use is still highly restricted to affluent neighborhoods and nations.
However, with the coming of e-diagnostics, this expensive machine would be separated into two parts. The first part or 'in-house component' would contain the X-ray Tomography reader-cum-data-collector.
An 'e-diagnostics-cloud-computing component' which would be controlled by the service provider would be the second part. In this device, the data uploaded from the CT-Scan would be sent through the internet to the network of the service provider where it would be processed for billing, 3-D display of various bodily structures and other user-friendly features.
Separation of the CT-Scan's mainframe from the data processing unit would allow service providers to charge low rates for each data processed through their cloud computing networks.
Therefore, scientists who study biological and paleontological specimen at remote locations around the globe would be saved the hassle of having to purchase, maintain or move a large and expensive CT-Scan about. All they would require would be a cheaper and lighter 'in-house component' that coverts tomography readings of human structures into encrypted digital information. Such digitized data could be sent electronically through the internet to the service provider who in turn uses his e-diagnostics tools within seconds to send back printable pictures, videos or graphics from processed data.
Couldn't this technology be applied to other expensive scientific techno-behemoths? Of course, it's possible.
The advent of the e-lab's and e-diagnostics' protocol at a yet to be determined future date might bring succor to the countless number of people who are yet to benefit from the versatility of a much awaited but yet to be re-invented e-lab-CT-Scan or any other colossal scientific equipment.
Advantages of e-lab & e-diagnostics
• Less expensive and more light-weight equipment.
• Lesser amount of chemicals required for tests.
• Simplified and reduced maintenance cost.
• Affordable screening procedure.
• Accessibility from remote locations.
• Easy equipment mobility.
• Convenient.
• User friendly.
• Revolutionize the field of bio-informatics and laboratory technology.
• Possibility of designing portable electronic devices that could serve as analytical and diagnostic tools.
Disadvantages of the proposal
• Hosts and service providers might have control over the medical records or research data of patients and scientists respectively.
• Health-care statistics or research data of developing countries may be monitored or tinkered with by web-hosts or service providers in the developed world.
• It may cause capital flight and under-utilization of laboratory technicians in many parts of the world as many Do-It-Yourself screening and test kits become ubiquitous.
To allay the fears of governments, service providers and end-users, a new internet protocol might have to be drafted and endorsed by all member states of the United Nations.
Let the race of developing the e-lab & e-diagnostics program's application, platform, storage and infrastructure begin. Then servers and clients can enjoy a new era of the internet.
That's the future of cloud computing.
In conclusion, let's hope that this article would spur the world's cybernetics movers and shakers to action.
