This article addresses web interfaces for High-performance Computing (HPC) simulation software. First, it presents a brief history, starting in the 1990s with Java applets, of web interfaces used for accessing and making best possible use of remote HPC resources. It introduces HPC web-based portal use cases. Then it identifies and discusses the key features, among functional and non-functional requirements, that characterize such portals. A brief state of the art is then presented. The design and development of Bull extreme factory Computing Studio v3 (XCS3) is chosen as a common thread for showing how the identified key features can all be implemented in one software: multi-tenancy, multi-scheduler compatibility, complete control through an HTTP RESTful API, customizable user interface with Responsive Web Design, HPC application template framework, remote visualization, and access through the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting security framework with the Role-Based Access Control permission model. Non-functional requirements (security, usability, performance, reliability) are discussed, and the article concludes by giving perspective for future work. CCS Concepts: • Human-centered computing → Graphical user interfaces; • Information systems → RESTful web services; • Computing methodologies → Massively parallel and high-performance simulations; • Software and its engineering → Cloud computing;

No abstract

Traditional usage models of Supercomputing centres have been extended by High-Throughput Computing (HTC), High-Performance Data Analytics (HPDA) and Cloud Computing. The complexity of current compute platforms calls for solutions to simplify usage and conveniently orchestrate computing tasks. These enable also non-expert users to efficiently execute Big Data workflows. In this context, the LEXIS project (‘Large-scale EXecution for Industry and Society’, H2020 GA 825532, https://lexis-project.eu) sets up an orchestration platform for compute- and data-intensive workflows. Its main objective is to implement a front-end and interfaces/APIs for distributed data management and workflow orchestration. The platform uses an open-source Identity and Access Management solution and a custom billing system. The data management API allows data ingestion and staging between various infrastructures. The orchestration API allows execution of workflows specified in extended TOSCA. LEXIS uses innovative technologies like YORC and Alien4Cloud for orchestration or iRODS/EUDAT-B2SAFE for data management, accelerated by Burst Buffers. Three pilot use cases from Aeronautics Engineering, Earthquake/Tsunami Analysis, and Weather and Climate Prediction are used to test the services. On the road towards longer-term sustainability, we are expanding this user base and aiming at the immersion of more Supercomputing centres within the platform.

No abstract

No abstract