Our previous blog post introduced Agora as an advanced software ecosystem designed to support digital transformation through Acceleration Services. We discussed how Agora serves as a central hub that facilitates access to various resources, enhances collaboration, and streamlines innovation processes. This blog entry expands on that foundation by exploring the different levels of integration for Acceleration Services within a future sustainable Agora. The integration levels define how deeply a given service is embedded in the Agora platform, impacting its usability, automation, and overall effectiveness.
To manage complexity and scalability, Acceleration Services can be categorized into five levels of integration, from basic discovery to full embedding:
· Level 0: Acceleration service discovery,
· Level 1: Acceleration through data integration,
· Level 2: Acceleration process management,
· Level 3: Agora-supported acceleration,
· Level 4: Embedded acceleration service.
Levels of integration of Acceleration Services in Agora
Level 0: Acceleration service discovery
At the most basic level, Acceleration Services are simply listed in the Agora platform without any functional integration. This allows users to search for available services, but does not provide direct interaction or integration with these services. It corresponds to the presentation stage described in our previous post, where Agora serves as an information hub.
An example would be university researchers looking for access to specialized research infrastructure. They can browse Agora’s catalog of available services and discover various options. However, at this level of integration, they cannot view specific details about the equipment, such as specifications or availability, nor can they make reservations directly through the platform.
The key value at this level is making external services visible and accessible to potential users, even if further engagement happens outside of Agora.
Level 1: Acceleration through data integration
At this level, Agora facilitates exploration by integrating data from external services, allowing users to search and filter relevant resources. Information can be stored within Agora or retrieved via APIs from external systems, ensuring a more seamless user experience.
An example is a researcher seeking GPU computing resources. Unlike Level 0, where only a list of providers is available, Agora at this level allows the researcher to perform detailed searches based on specific GPU models, availability, and pricing. This makes it easier for users to explore and compare different options without leaving the platform.
This level enhances user decision-making by centralizing data access, reducing the need to navigate multiple external systems.
Level 2: Acceleration process management
Agora moves beyond data integration by actively managing interactions between service providers and users. This level corresponds to the relationship activity, where Agora enables communication between the participants of a given Acceleration Service.
An example involves a researcher needing computing resources. Agora facilitates discovery and exploration and enables direct interaction between the user and the service provider. Through the platform, the researcher can request access, negotiate terms, and track the delivery of services, ensuring a structured and efficient workflow.
By embedding process management, Agora helps service providers streamline operations while ensuring users have a structured and transparent way to engage with Acceleration Services.
Level 3: Agora-supported acceleration
Agora starts playing a more active role in execution, handling parts of the Acceleration Service lifecycle directly within the platform. While the service itself may still be performed externally, Agora integrates internally some elements.
An example is a researcher running machine learning experiments. At this level, Agora integrates selected elements of the Acceleration Service lifecycle. Instead of only providing information or managing interactions, the platform allows the researcher to monitor GPU usage and costs in real-time, without needing to access the external provider’s system.
This level improves efficiency by reducing the need for users to switch between multiple platforms while providing real-time insights into ongoing processes.
Level 4: Embedded acceleration service
The highest level of integration embeds Acceleration Services directly within Agora, making it a fully functional execution environment. At this stage, Agora doesn’t just support the process – it becomes the platform where transformation happens.
An example extends beyond monitoring to full execution. Instead of just tracking GPU usage, researchers can execute and manage their machine learning experiments directly within Agora, using the platform’s built-in computational resources. This represents the highest level of integration, where Agora itself becomes the execution environment for Acceleration Services.
This level maximizes automation and streamlines processes, but requires significant investment in infrastructure and maintenance.
The tiered integration model ensures that Acceleration Services can be adapted to different needs and levels of complexity. While some services may only require a basic listing, i.e., Level 0, others may benefit from deeper integration up to Level 4, where execution happens entirely within Agora. Different providers may also offer the same service at varying levels of integration, providing users with flexibility based on their specific requirements.
By structuring Acceleration Services this way, the anticipated Agora platform can balance usability, cost, and sustainability while supporting various digital transformation needs. Understanding these integration levels will be key to optimizing the platform’s impact.