CC1 system - the solution for private cloud computing The main features of the system include: a custom web-based user interface, automatic creation of virtual clusters with a preconfigured batch system, groups of users with the ability to share resources, permanent virtual storage volumes that can be mounted to a VM, a distributed structure: a federation of clusters running as a uniform cloud, a quota for user resources, and a monitoring and accounting system.
Keeping it simple In developing the CC1 system, we emphasized simplicity: user access, administration and installation are all relatively easy. Self-service access to the system is provided via an intuitive web interface. The administration module contains a rich set of tools for user management and system configuration. We also developed an automatic installation procedure based on a standard package management system of Linux distributions. This way, the system can be set up quickly and operated without the need for a deep understanding of the underlying technology. One of CC1’s crucial features is the easy creation of VM computing clusters equipped with a preconfigured batch system. This allows users to perform intensive calculations on-demand, without the need for time-consuming manual configuration. When calculations are completed, the VM cluster can be destroyed and the resources can be made accessible to other users.
Putting it into operation A private cloud based on the CC1 system was installed in IFJ PAN at the beginning of 2012. A number of VM images with various Linux flavours have been made available to users. Currently, about 1000 CPU cores are shared by various research teams at the Institute and their collaborators. We have achieved stable operation and high CPU utilization of above 80%, making us confident the system will continue to be useful in the future.
A private cloud: benefits in action Multidisciplinary institutes such as IFJ PAN traditionally dedicate a given computer cluster to a single research group, typically resulting in low-level exploitation and inefficient use of resources. A private cloud model, such as the CC1 system, enables various research groups to share computing resources. It can significantly boost the efficiency of infrastructure usage and at the same time reduce maintenance costs. The private cloud computing model can improve the delivery of services and reduce the cost of IT operations. In addition, it ensures confidential data can be processed on well-protected local infrastructure. The CC1 software is distributed under the Apache License 2.0. See http://cc1.ifj.edu.pl for more details.
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