Cloud-based simulators: Making simulations accessible to non-experts and experts alike

The benefits of on-demand computing capabilities, broad network access, maintainability, and multiplatform support are some of the essential characteristics that have made cloud computing the technology to adopt in recent years. While the technology has been used in simulation to some extent, it has not been widely available as it is expensive and complex. This paper reports on the design and development of a cloud-based discrete event simulator called ClouDES. ClouDES provides a platform for designing and executing discrete-event simulations with all the advantages of cloud computing. Its web-based easy to use interface attracts even non-expert users. As an example, the potential impact on non-experts users like students and especially middle and high school students are described. It is believed that students can be exposed to STEM concepts like probability, queuing, and functions while using technologies they are familiar with like mobile devices and social media.