Abstract:
Scientific researchers faced with extremely large computations or the requirement
of storing vast quantities of data have come to rely on distributed
computational models like grid and cloud computing. However,
distributed computation is typically complex and expensive. The Social
Cloud for Public eResearch aims to provide researchers with a platform
to exploit social networks to reach out to users who would otherwise be
unlikely to donate computational time for scientific and other research oriented
projects. This thesis explores the motivations of users to contribute
computational time and examines the various ways these motivations can
be catered to through established social networks. We specifically look
at integrating Facebook and BOINC, and discuss the architecture of the
functional system and the novel social engineering algorithms that power it.
