In a typical cluster computing environment, the operating system, configuration, etc. is relatively homogeneous across the infrastructure and root/administrator access on each host is limited to system administrators. Allowing different operating systems or giving users privileged access creates a fragmented infrastructure. Often users need the computational benefits of an entire “server” but do not have the funds for or need an entire physical server. Virtual Instances provide an avenue for users looking to utilize different operating systems and configurations than are typically used in the underlying physical infrastructure. They also enable users to own of an entire "server" without having to pay the cost of a full machine
Virtual Instances
Eligibility information is outlined below based on providers with offerings that are available to the entire Harvard community or a specific unit/appointment.
University-wide
Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Research Computing
TIER 1
Administered By: RC Admins
Root Access: No
Network Storage Mounts: Yes
Features: Fully provisioned and monitored by Admins. Admins are also responsible for service availability and proper functioning of the base VM. No root access allowed.
TIER 2
Administered By: Admins + User
Root Access: Limited
Network Storage Mounts: Yes
Features: Admins provision ""base"" VM, end-user has limited privileged access (e.g. sudo access to restart webserver).
TIER 3
Administered By: User
Root Access: Yes
Network Storage Mounts: No
Features: Admins provision a ""bare"" VM and hand it over to requester. End-user is responsible for all software installation, configuration, and administration of services.
Audience
Available to all users with an FASRC account.
Service Provider
FASRC
Service Fee
TBD
Service Website
https://www.rc.fas.harvard.edu/
Contact Information
Unit/Appointment-specific
Harvard Medical School
To request this service, please email rchelp@hms.harvard.edu, please include details explaining what this system(s) we be used for and any requirements for additional software and access. RC will follow-up to setup a call to gather system requirements.
Audience
Available to HMS researchers from labs whose PIs have a primary or secondary faculty appointment in an HMS Quad department.
Service Provider
HMS
Service Fee
TBD