MatCloud, a high-throughput computational materials infrastructure: Present, future visions, and challenges

MatCloud provides a high-throughput computational materials infrastructure for the integrated management of materials simulation, data, and computing resources. In comparison to AFLOW, Material Project, and No Mad, MatCloud delivers two-fold functionalities: a computational materials platform where users can do on-line job setup, job submission and monitoring only via Web browser, and a materials properties simulation database. It is developed under Chinese Materials Genome Initiative and is a China own proprietary high-throughput computational materials infrastructure. MatCloud has been on line for about one year, receiving considerable registered users, feedbacks, and encouragements. Many users provided valuable input and requirements to MatCloud. In this paper, we describe the present MatCloud, future visions, and major challenges. Based on what we have achieved, we will endeavour to further develop MatCloud in an open and collaborative manner and make MatCloud a world known China-developed novel software in the pressing area of high-throughput materials calculations and materials properties simulation database within Material Genome Initiative.