Agilent OpenLab CDS Deployment in the Cloud

Significance of the Topic

Cloud deployment of laboratory information management systems such as OpenLab CDS addresses the growing need for scalable, cost-effective infrastructure in analytical chemistry. By leveraging Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platforms from major providers, organizations can centralize data management, shift capital expenses to operational budgets, and outsource routine maintenance.

Objectives and Study Overview

The primary goal of this document is to guide users through migrating OpenLab CDS to public cloud environments. Key objectives include:

• Identifying supported cloud configurations on AWS and Azure
• Recommending network architectures for hybrid on-premises/cloud deployments
• Describing performance requirements and validated service versions

Methodology and Instrumentation

A hybrid deployment model was validated, combining on-premises components (such as Agilent Instrument Control Software) with cloud-hosted services. Connectivity between local resources and the cloud uses either VPN tunnels or dedicated private links. Testing covered:

• AWS EC2 instances (M5a.2xlarge) with Elastic Network Adapter (ENA) for high throughput
• AWS Relational Database Service (RDS) with PostgreSQL
• AWS S3 for unstructured data storage and Storage Gateway for SMB access
• Azure virtual machines (Dav8/Dav4 series) with attached Azure File Storage
• Azure SQL Server running in a VM

Key Results and Discussion

Performance benchmarks demonstrated that a 1 Gbps network link between on-premises and cloud yielded sustained throughput of approximately 45 Mbps with latency between 30–80 ms. Intra-cloud latency was under 10 ms. Packet loss remained near zero. Server sizing guidance ensures the VM stack stays below 50 % CPU utilization. Agilent software version 2.6 or newer for OpenLab CDS and version 3.6 for ECM XT were verified on both platforms.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Cloud-based OpenLab CDS deployments deliver multiple advantages:

• Reduced on-site hardware investment and maintenance
• Flexible scaling of compute and storage resources
• Simplified backup and disaster recovery strategies
• Transition from capital expenditure to operational expenditure model

Future Trends and Opportunities

As cloud providers continue to enhance managed database services and network offerings, future deployments may leverage fully managed LDAP integrations and deeper AI-driven analytics. Expanding support for global cloud regions and integration with containerized laboratory workflows will further streamline lab operations.

Conclusion

Successful migration of OpenLab CDS to the cloud requires detailed planning of network architecture, validated IaaS configurations, and collaboration with vendors for optimized performance. Following the recommended guidelines ensures reliable, scalable, and cost-effective laboratory data management in a hybrid environment.