arXiv is migrating its infrastructure from Cornell University servers to Google Cloud. This move aims to enhance arXiv's long-term sustainability, improve performance and scalability, and leverage Google's expertise in areas like security, storage, and machine learning. The transition will happen in phases, starting with a pilot program. arXiv emphasizes its commitment to remaining open and community-driven, with its operational control staying independent. They are also actively hiring for several roles, including software engineers and system administrators, to support this significant change.
The arXiv platform, a renowned preprint repository primarily used for disseminating scientific research, particularly in physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, quantitative finance, statistics, electrical engineering, systems science, and economics, is undergoing a significant infrastructural shift. Currently hosted on servers maintained by Cornell University, where arXiv originated, the platform is transitioning its operations to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This move is not merely a lift-and-shift operation; it represents a strategic decision to modernize and enhance arXiv's capabilities for the long term.
This transition to GCP is driven by several key factors. Firstly, it allows arXiv to leverage Google's robust and scalable cloud infrastructure, providing increased reliability and performance for users worldwide. This improved infrastructure will also enable arXiv to handle the ever-increasing volume of submissions and downloads, ensuring the platform remains accessible and responsive even as the scientific community continues to grow and rely heavily on its services. Furthermore, migrating to the cloud offers enhanced security measures, safeguarding the valuable research data hosted on the platform.
Beyond immediate performance and security benefits, the move to GCP also lays the foundation for future innovation and development of arXiv's services. By harnessing the power of cloud computing, arXiv can explore new possibilities for enhancing the user experience, such as improved search functionality, more sophisticated data analysis tools, and potential integrations with other research platforms and resources. This modernization effort aims to solidify arXiv's position as a leading resource for scientific communication and accelerate the dissemination of knowledge across the globe. The transition is expected to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of arXiv in the evolving landscape of scientific publishing and collaboration. This transition is a multi-year project involving collaboration between arXiv and Google's engineering team. The linked page focuses on the hiring process for individuals who will contribute to this complex and crucial migration, requiring specialized expertise in areas like software development, systems administration, and cloud infrastructure management.
Summary of Comments ( 106 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43726640
Hacker News users discuss arXiv's move to Google Cloud, expressing concerns about potential vendor lock-in and the implications for long-term data preservation. Some question the cost-effectiveness of the transition, suggesting Cornell's existing infrastructure might have been sufficient with modernization. Others highlight the potential benefits of Google's expertise in scaling and reliability, but emphasize the importance of maintaining open access and avoiding proprietary formats. The need for transparency regarding the terms of the agreement with Google is also a recurring theme, alongside worries about potential censorship or influence from Google on arXiv's content. Several commenters note the irony of a pre-print server initially designed to bypass traditional publishing now relying on a large tech company.
The Hacker News post titled "arXiv moving from Cornell servers to Google Cloud" generated several comments discussing the implications of this transition. Many commenters focused on the potential benefits and drawbacks of moving to a cloud infrastructure.
Several users expressed concerns about Google's potential influence over arXiv's content and operations. One commenter worried about the possibility of Google exerting censorship or prioritizing certain research based on its own interests. Another questioned whether Google might eventually try to monetize arXiv, impacting its open-access nature. The potential for vendor lock-in with Google was also raised as a long-term risk.
On the other hand, some commenters saw the move as a positive step. They argued that Google Cloud's infrastructure could offer improved performance, scalability, and reliability compared to Cornell's existing setup. This could lead to faster download speeds, increased uptime, and better overall user experience. The potential for enhanced search capabilities and integration with other Google services was also mentioned as a potential advantage.
Several comments delved into the technical aspects of the migration. One user with experience in academic computing discussed the challenges of managing a large-scale digital library and suggested that Google's expertise in this area could be beneficial. Another pointed out the potential complexities of migrating the existing data and ensuring seamless operation during the transition.
Some commenters speculated on the reasons behind arXiv's decision, suggesting factors such as cost savings, access to more advanced technology, and the need for specialized expertise that Google could provide.
A few users expressed nostalgia for Cornell's long-standing stewardship of arXiv, while acknowledging the increasing demands and complexities of maintaining the platform in the current technological landscape.
The discussion also touched on broader themes related to the role of large tech companies in academic research and the importance of preserving the open and accessible nature of scientific knowledge. Some users expressed concerns about the increasing concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations, while others argued that collaboration with such companies could be beneficial for the advancement of science.