Introduction to Computer Grids and Clustering - Course Prospectus

Copyright © 2003, John Harker

Introduction to Grid and Cluster Computing is designed for technical professionals and managers, computer systems administrators and others interested in understanding grid and cluster computing theories, technologies and applications.

In this course, students learn what computer grids and clusters are and do. They learn how they relate to and use the underpinnings of grid and cluster computing - operating systems, networking and distributed computing. They will learn the issues of writing or modifying applications to take particular advantage of grids or clusters and what types of programmatic interfaces are used. They will learn of types of grids and clusters and a variety of popular grid and cluster systems will be reviewed. Students will learn how to install and administer a simple grid computing system, based on the open standard Globus project.

This class proves a technical overview of Grid computing through lectures, reading and home laboratory work. Although it is an introductory course to Grid Computing it is recommended that students have an intermediate level background in computer software and networks. Homework will require access to at least one PC system, two networked together via TCP/IP are preferable.

Text: Ferreirea, Berstis, et. al., Introduction to Grid Computing with Globus, IBM Redbooks, 2002. Also assorted more recent technical papers.

Upon Successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Name and understand the components of a grid system
• Name and understand the components of a cluster system
• Understand the differences between grids and clusters
• Name and understand open source and commercial grid and clustering products
• Install a grid system on a host operating system and network
• Determine if an application will benefit from running on a grid or cluster
• Understand how to modify a program to run on a grid or cluster
• Determine what grid system or cluster will best suit his needs

Instructor: John Harker is an independent consultant working in the areas of Clustering, Grids, and Distributed Systems. He has more than 15 years experience in these areas, working at Tandem in the 80’s he consulted with customers on developing applications for clustered systems and developed and taught networking classes. Later at SCO and Caldera he was in product management and engineering management responsible for networking and clustering products as well as the SCO Open Server operating system. Members of his department were instrumental in the success of the SETI project, a successful example of grid computing. Currently he is an independent consultant working with ZNA communications in Santa Crux, California, specializing in modular computing, grids, clustering, blade servers, and SANs.

Course Topics

1. Introduction to Grids
2. Types of Clusters and Grids
3. History of Clusters and Grids
4. The hardware and network environment of Grids and Clusters
5. Introduction to the Open Grid Services Architecture and the Globus Project
6. OSGA and Web Services
7. Grid Security - authentication, access control, encryption
8. Resource Management and Scheduling
9. Directory Services
10. Grid and Cluster Data Management - Availability, Access and Application
11. Standard Interfaces
12. Globus Applications and Testbed
13. Impact of Grids - Selected Grid projects
14. Overview of Grid technology Vendors