In the ever-evolving landscape of academic publishing, the efficient management of scientific journals is crucial for maintaining quality, compliance and sustainability. ASNET-AM, the Armenian National Research and Education Network, has introduced a new initiative called Journal as a Service which aims at revolutionising the way academic journals are managed.
Challenges in journal management
The editorial journey, from manuscript submission to publication, involves intricate coordination and resource management. Open-source journal software platforms have become indispensable tools for educational institutions, research organisations and publishers. However, implementing these solutions presents challenges such as customisation, local hosting and ongoing maintenance, encompassing issues related to hosting infrastructure, support, user training, data migration, compliance, scalability and costs.
Journal as a Service: a tailored solution
ASNET-AM addresses these challenges by integrating the Open Journal System (OJS) with local cloud resources, offering a unique and efficient solution. The Journal as a Service makes the process more efficient and organised by providing customised virtual instances leveraging cloud technology and ensuring scalability and flexibility.
Key features and benefits
ASNET-AM’s service aligns with the specific needs of each journal. This customisation not only streamlines the editorial process, but also by employing local cloud resources, the service is able to mitigate issues related to infrastructure and maintenance. The commitment shown by ASNET-AM is evident in the nearly 30 active installations of open-source solutions for academic journals which also underline the reliability and effectiveness of Journal as a Service.
Looking to the future
ASNET-AM’s Journal as a Service not only meets the current needs of academic journals, but it’s also a forward-thinking solution. By embracing technological advancements and addressing the complexities of open-source implementation, this service marks a significant step towards a more streamlined and effective future for academic publishing.
I envision a future where ‘Journal as a Service’ sets the standard for efficiency, customisation and technological innovation. We are committed to reshaping the editorial landscape, ensuring that every journal benefits from a tailored and streamlined experience. We believe that this new service, combined with our commitment to quality and adaptability, is poised to shape the future of scholarly publishing.
