The state service bwCloud-OS provided a virtualized server and application infrastructure as a cloud service for employees, researchers, and students at higher education institutions in Baden-Wuerttemberg. With increasing usage, the demand for flexible, scalable, and self-managed virtual machines rose significantly. Users needed easy access to resources with different performance profiles and the ability to operate them flexibly. The “bwCloud SCOPE” project aimed to meet these requirements through the expanded, stable, and user-friendly operation of the virtualization platform.

explanation of the word: SCOPE = [SC]ience [OP]eration [E]ducation

bwCloud SCOPE pursued the further development of the service in two authorization levels: bwCloud Basic offered a simple VM with a runtime of six months, while bwCloud Extended enabled expanded resources and unlimited runtimes. The aim was to promote self-provisioning and management by users, enable flexible resource allocation, and improve the management of user groups and quotas. In addition, comprehensive support was to be provided via a ticket system and regional help desks.

The focus was on the technical development of the infrastructure at several operating locations, the optimization of user management, and the provision of self-service portals. This also included the development of quota management, group concepts, and extended network functions. The service was operated as a multi-site, multi-region cloud based on OpenStack, with independent regions at the Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Ulm locations. Centrally managed components such as the image repository were replicated to increase performance and reliability.

The bwCloud SCOPE project provided thousands of users in Baden-Wuerttemberg with fast and easy access to virtual machines with individually configurable operating systems and resources. The implementation of self-service functions and differentiated access rights supported a broad user base from research, teaching, and administration. The operating locations were well networked, the support system was established, and the technical basis for sustainable operation and future expansions was laid.