When workflow task needs several datasets from different locations m cloud, data transfer becomes a challenge. To avoid the unnecessary data transfer, a graphical-based data placement algo- rithm for cloud workflow is proposed. The algorithm uses affinity graph to group datasets while keeping a polynomial time complexity. By integrating the algorithm, the workflow engine can intelligently select locations in which the data will reside to avoid the unnecessary data transfer during the initial stage and runtime stage. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce data transfer during the workflow＇ s execution.
