Economics-Driven Software Architecting for Cloud

Many of the problems facing providers and users of Cloud-based systems, in terms of maximizing Quality-of-Service (QoS) satisfaction, can be studied using theories in microeconomics. Specifically, the concept of market-based control provides tools that can be used to design economically and computationally efficient Cloud software architectures. This chapter surveys both domains and presents some of the underlying problems and opportunities in the interesting crossbreed of economics and Cloud computing. The dynamic resource allocation problem is used as an example to demonstrate the added value of this approach. Observations from simulation studies reveal the usefulness of the posted offer market model as a viable mechanism for orchestrating the interaction of components in a Cloud software architecture. The chapter concludes with a reflection on open problems that need to be addressed to move the area forward.