Researchers simplify supercomputer use

The Australian Research Collaboration Service (ARCS) has released a new service, Compute Cloud, to simplify high performance computing needs of research organisations.

Aimed at reducing the complexity of the current national grid, Compute Cloud is a service that provides a standard interface to high performance computers across Australia.

Compute Cloud will collate members' research and create a single user account that will allow access to computers across different locations and research institutions. A new, simplified interface will allow researchers to use the tool without needing significant expertise or training.

"ARCS is not only adding new applications to the Compute Cloud, but also encouraging developers to create interoperable applications based on the technology," said ARCS executive director Anthony Williams. "By making the best use of resources and providing easy access to HPC for researchers, ARCS is smoothing the way for more users to benefit from more national resources."

Resources for the project have been funded by members of ARCS including the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing (VPAC), the Tasmanian Partnership for Advanced Computing (TPAC), eResearch SA (eRSA) and iVEC — the centre for advanced computing in Western Australia.

ARCS was formed in 2007 as part of the Federal Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, receiving $22.5 million in funding up to 2011. The service stores and shares research and data among members, which include those contributing to Cloud Compute, as well as the Australian National University, CSIRO, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation and Intersect Australia.