CETS Research IT Support
CETS supports individual research groups' large scale computing needs on a case by case basis for a fee. Based on our prior experience, we have developed two support models: massively parallel and embarrassingly parallel.
Massively Parallel Workloads
For massively parallel workloads, we provide a standard High Performance Computing cluster running a variant of Redhat Enterprise Linux on: one head node externally visible, using Torque and Maui to schedule jobs which run on internal compute nodes, with storage supplied by an internal storage node serving NFS to the compute nodes and head node. We manage all this with a standard set of administrative support hardware, including:
- an externally visible administration node
- large disk
- 4-post 19" racks
- remotely managed power and console
- a UPS for the head node, storage, and administration node
- a gigabit ethernet switch for all internal traffic
- a basic ethernet switch for management traffic
Low latency specialty interconnects are supported for additional cost.
Embarrassingly Parallel Workloads
For embarrassingly parallel workloads, we provide a standard High Performance Computing grid running openSUSE on several externally visible compute nodes. Two cores on one compute node are reserved for running the Sun Grid Engine scheduler and queue manager. An externally visible storage node is optional, but it will only serve NFS to the compute nodes within the grid. We house all the equipment using:
- 4-post 19" racks
- remotely managed power and console
- a gigabit ethernet switch for all grid traffic (externally visible)
Built-in Services
Built into the standard models of support are these services:
- design expertise and vendor coordination
- handle delivery and on-site preparation and installation
- facilities coordination
Throughout the operating lifecycle we provide:
- account management
- queue management
- operating system maintenance and monitoring
- proactive security maintenance
- application updates, installations, and licensing
- general user support
- facilities monitoring;
- hardware maintenance
- data archival consultation
- technology updates
We will handle end-of-life responsible disposition and data retention options. We will work with end users to provision the necessary backup architecture.
Other Options
Beyond those two standard models, we can tailor our support to provide for your research needs. We can consult for an hourly rate to find a technical solution to meet those needs, and provide you with just quotes, purchase and configure the systems, and/or manage your solution (operating system, hardware, applications, user support) from beginning to end.