Formulating Requirements for Hybrid Distributed Computing Systems: an Infrastructure Perspective

Abstract

The article examines the role of modern computing architectures in enabling the digital transformation of the energy sector, particularly in the context of the development of decentralised electricity markets. The advantages and limitations of on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure solutions for building distributed, scalable computing systems are analysed. Based on this analysis, requirements for the communication and information system of interaction among participants in a decentralised electricity market are formulated. The key design principles of such a system are identified, including scalability, architectural unification, high availability, and fault tolerance. Particular attention is given to processing large data volumes, ensuring data sovereignty, integrating blockchain technologies and smart contracts, and using consensus mechanisms suitable for industrial systems. Requirements for network infrastructure, geographical distribution of computing nodes, and cyber-resilience are also considered, particularly in the context of cascading risk effects. The study demonstrates that a hybrid computing architecture provides the most balanced approach by combining control over critical infrastructure components with the flexibility and scalability of cloud technologies, thereby creating a technological foundation for a resilient communication and information system supporting a decentralised electricity market.