Creating virtual clusters with Rocks
In the Rocks
© Mattias Löw, Fotolia
Rocks offers an easy solution for clustering with virtual machines.
Rocks is a Linux distribution and cluster management system that allows for rapid deployment of Linux clusters on physical hardware or virtual Xen containers. A Rocks cluster [1] is easy to deploy, and it offers all the benefits of virtualization for the cluster member nodes. With a minimum of two physical machines, Rocks allows for simple and rapid cluster deployment and management, freeing the cluster administrator to focus on supporting grid computing and the distributed applications that make clustering an attractive option.
Included in the standard Rocks distribution are various open source high-performance distributed and parallel computing tools, such as Sun's Grid Engine [2], OpenMPI [3], and Condor. This powerful collection of advanced features is one reason why NASA, the NSA, IBM Austin Research Lab, the U.S. Navy, MIT, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins University are all using Rocks for some of their most intensive applications.
Why Virtualize a Cluster?
The arguments for deploying virtual clusters are the same arguments that justify any virtualization solution: flexibility, ease of management, and efficient hardware resource utilization. For example, in an environment in which 64-bit and 32-bit operating systems must run simultaneously, virtualization is a much more efficient solution than attempting to support two separate hardware platforms in a single cluster.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.