Utilize Exceed onDemand as a supercomputing terminal

Kyoto University, in collaboration with the University of Tsukuba and the University of Tokyo, has installed a supercomputer based on the "T2K Open Supercomputer Specifications", which is based on the principle of openness to basic architecture, system software, and user needs. , supports the research activities of researchers nationwide. “We believe that simply providing computing resources will not lead to the development of computational science in Japan.In order to expand the base and raise the level, we need to make a more direct commitment. We are working hard," says Nakajima, professor and deputy director of Kyoto University's Academic Center for Computing and Media Studies.

Kyoto University has been improving the environment so that researchers outside the university can use the university's supercomputers. Exceed onDemand is used on the client side when using a supercomputer remotely.

Use of supercomputers over wide area WAN made possible by Exceed onDemand

In the past, using the X protocol in such a WAN environment was difficult, especially in terms of performance. When using the X protocol remotely, not only is it difficult to achieve practical performance, but there is also the problem of a heavy load on the network bandwidth.

• Supercomputer system configuration diagram

Exceed onDemand's "Thin X Protocol" function solves these traditional problems. With this function, X protocol communication can be compressed up to 1/100, and X protocol can be used without stress even in a WAN environment. “Considering our usage pattern in a WAN environment, we inevitably chose Exceed onDemand,” says Mr. Hirano, Group Leader of the Computing Group, Information Infrastructure Division, Information Environment Department, Kyoto University. .

Advantages of Exceed onDemand

Beyond speed, Exceed onDemand has many other benefits. For example, licenses based on the number of simultaneous connections can significantly reduce management and operation costs. In addition, high work continuity with the suspend and resume function demonstrates great power when used in the WAN environment introduced here. At present, Kyoto University is devising ways to reduce the cost of introduction and make it easier for users to use by publishing the client module on the Web. In the future, Mr. Hirano hopes to strengthen the authentication function using public key technology and create an environment in which external researchers can use computing resources with greater peace of mind.

As can be seen from the case of Kyoto University, Exceed onDemand is an epoch-making product that can be applied to environments that were previously thought to be difficult.