A project to develop a software framework to support accounting, reporting and usage monitoring, and resource management on advanced computing facilities.

Grid-SAFE


Start date: 1 September 2008

End date: 31 December 2009

Funding programme: Support for e-Research programme

Project website: http://www.epcc.ed.ac.uk/projects/grid-safe

JISC theme(s): e-Research

Overview

At the start of 2007 a report was commissioned by the JISC to examine the current status of developments in accounting and usage in the UK academic community. The report’s main recommendations identified two key components that need to be developed in parallel:

  • an accounting framework that will assist deployments based on standards specifications;
  • a client based usage monitoring/ management framework to provide a common basis for monitoring related activities.

Aims and objectives

The main aim of this project is to meet these two needs by developing a software framework to support accounting, reporting and usage monitoring, and resource management on advanced computing facilities. This will comprise a number of modularised components which can be assembled to provide end-to-end applications for monitoring resource use on Grid-based HPC systems. The results of this project will be applicable to both Grid and non Grid operating environments.

Project methodology

The Grid-SAFE accounting and monitoring software will build on the EPCC SAFE system that currently provides these functions for the HPCx and HECToR national HPC services. Software development will be carried out at EPCC according to our standard methodology of agile development and PRINCE2 project management.

Anticipated outputs an outcomes

The project will deliver:

  • a Database performance report
  • a Client/Usage Monitoring Framework architecture report
  • an Initial Accounting Framework release
  • a Standalone accounting report module
  • an Accounting Framework phase II development plan
  • an Integrated RUS service
  • a Distributed accounting portal
  • a Second Accounting Framework release
  • a Resource Management Framework

Technology/Standards used

  • Java
  • Tomcat
  • relational and/or XML database
  • OGF RUS
  • UR draft standards
Lead Institute

EPCC, University of Edinburgh

www.epcc.ed.ac.uk

 

project staff

Project Manager
  •  Dr Rob Baxter, EPCC, University of Edinburgh

           r.baxter@epcc.ed.ac.uk

           0131 651 3579

Project Team
  • Last updated on 07/11/08 by James Farnhill