The objective of CloudFlow is to provide tangible evidence of the feasibility of cloud computing for European manufacturing SMEs by developing an infrastructure and performing experiments on cloud services for manufacturing industries. The first wave of experiments comprises; CAD on the Cloud, CAM on the Cloud, CFD on the Cloud, PLM on the Cloud, System Simulation on the Cloud and Point cloud verses CAD comparison on the Cloud. There will be two external calls for experiments, one in 2014 and one in 2015.
CloudFlow builds on existing technologies and standards, integrating and configuring them in such a way that engineers will be able to continue with their standard workflows and with their standard formats, but with a scalable amount of resources on-demand. CloudFlow goes beyond the mere provision of individual computational services on the cloud, by supporting chains of services in integrated workflows and the development and simulation of complex products such as mechatronic systems where mechanics, software and electronics work together.
CloudFlow is part of the ICT Innovation for Manufacturing SMEs (I4MS) initiative, funded under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission. It is an SME-driven IP incorporating seven SMEs: Missler (CAD/CAM), JOTNE (PLM), Numeca (CAE/CFD), ITI (Systems), Arctur (HPC), StellbaHydro (turbine MRO for water energy plants) and CARSA (business models and security). Four renowned research institutions complement the consortium: DFKI, SINTEF, University of Nottingham and Fraunhofer.
