Commodity Computing Clusters at Goddard Space Flight Center

The purpose of commodity cluster computing is to utilize large numbers of readily available computing components for parallel computing to obtaining the greatest amount of useful computations for the least cost. The issue of the cost of a computational resource is key to computational science and data processing at GSFC as it is at most other places, the difference being that the need at GSFC far exceeds any expectation of meeting that need. Therefore, Goddard scientists need as much computing resources that are available for the provided funds. This is exemplified in the following brief history of low-cost high-performance computing at GSFC

Using Kerberized Lustre Over the WAN for High Energy Physics Data

ABSTRACT This paper reports the design and implementation of a secure, wide area network, distributed filesystem by the ExTENCI project (Extending Science Through Enhanced National Cyber Infrastructure) based on lustre. The filesystem is used for remote access to analysis data from the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and from the Lattice Quantum ChromoDynamics (LQCD) project. Security is provided for by kerberos and reinforced with additional finegrained control using lustre ACLs and quotas. We show the impact of using kerberized lustre on the IO rates of CMS and LQCD applications on client nodes, both real and virtual. Preconfigured images of lustre virtual clients containing the complete software stack ease the difficulty of managing these systems

Science Gateway Use Cases, version 1.1

These use cases describe how research communities use community computing resources to power their "science gateways," supporting the specialized needs of research fields, communities of practice, and joint initiatives. Science gateways are applications—most often web-based—that are used by groups of researchers with similar needs. Each gateway is developed and operated by one or more leaders in the research field who applies for an allocation to serve the community. Gateways can also help researchers who have their own allocations by providing a more customized, user-friendly interface.National Science Foundation, OCI-1053575Ope

Science Gateway Use Cases, version 1.1

These use cases describe how research communities use community computing resources to power their "science gateways," supporting the specialized needs of research fields, communities of practice, and joint initiatives. Science gateways are applications—most often web-based—that are used by groups of researchers with similar needs. Each gateway is developed and operated by one or more leaders in the research field who applies for an allocation to serve the community. Gateways can also help researchers who have their own allocations by providing a more customized, user-friendly interface.National Science Foundation, OCI-1053575Ope