Lombard, David N wrote:
Joe Landman is quite correct that you can do well by presenting a Linux cluster with a web-based interface and SMB-based storage. But, let's face it, those who respond to that pitch will respond all the more to the full Windows gig.
A web-based interface would probably be a good choice for ISVs as a front-end for their product. This way, on the backend, the application could be submitted to any type of cluster (Linux, Windows, etc.). The ISV doesn't have to support all the different platforms but it could (upfront or later) without having to change the user interface. Perhaps then cluster vendors/integrators could offer a product that would act as a portal to the various applications installed on a given cluster. The cluster admin could configure the various applications as appropriate (e.g., to interface with the particular job scheduler in use). At this point, the users of the cluster can run the user interface on whichever platform they are familiar with (e.g., Linux, Windows, OS X, etc.) and they could focus only on the input/data files needed for those applications.
This frees up the cluster purchaser from worrying about choosing a cluster OS based on whether the end users are comfortable logging onto and using that particular OS. Then an analysis of the pros/cons can be performed based off other criteria, such as the cost of the cluster hardware/software, the cost to integrate it with any existing infrastructure (e.g., authentication/authorization/accounting, patching/upgrades, reinstalls) or the cost to create such an infrastructure, reports/studies/experiences as to the stability of the OS, availability of admins for the OS, features of the OS/distribution (e.g. software that is included, parameters that can be tuned, etc.), support for some particular hardware in the OS, etc.
So using a web-based interface to a cluster might attract those who are more familiar with GUI interfaces but it might also attract those who are looking to keep their options open (both cluster purchasers and ISVs). That is, it may provide an interface with which many users (of many different platforms) are familiar but without tying them to a particular cluster OS.
Gary Stiehr
-- David N. Lombard My statements represent my opinions, not those of Intel Corporation
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