China launches cloud platform for its scientists

China has launched one of the most advanced scientific cloud platforms with an aim to provide scientists with accessible, accurate and secure data services to drive research and innovation, an official has said.

The China Science and Technology Cloud (CSTC), created by the Computer Network Information Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, draws data from the academy's research institutes and major scientific installations, as well as many of the country's top universities and private innovation centres, the state-run China Daily reported today.

Applications are divided into five broad categories: data resources, cloud computing with artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputers, research software support, research community networks and outreach to foreign scientists and platforms.

"The CSTC aims to become the go-to platform to satisfy most data and cloud service needs from scientists and innovators in China," director of the information centre, Liao Fangyu was quoted as saying in the report.

Li Jun, a researcher at the centre said the platform already has more than six lakh registered users and will continue to improve to satisfy ever-growing research needs.

"The platform is the cornerstone of the academy's effort to improve its data-related services and applications. It also promotes data sharing and transparency, so the next generation of young scientists can use our data to help their research," Li said.