Design and implementation of a UNIX based distributed computing system
- Western Atlas International Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
We have designed, implemented, and are running a corporate-wide distributed processing batch queue on a large number of networked workstations using the UNIX{reg_sign} operating system. Atlas Wireline researchers and scientists have used the system for over a year. The large increase in available computer power has greatly reduced the time required for nuclear and electromagnetic tool modeling. Use of remote distributed computing has simultaneously reduced computation costs and increased usable computer time. The system integrates equipment from different manufacturers, using various CPU architectures, distinct operating system revisions, and even multiple processors per machine. Various differences between the machines have to be accounted for in the master scheduler. These differences include shells, command sets, swap spaces, memory sizes, CPU sizes, and OS revision levels. Remote processing across a network must be performed in a manner that is seamless from the users` perspective. The system currently uses IBM RISC System/6000{reg_sign}, SPARCstation{sup TM}, HP9000s700, HP9000s800, and DEC Alpha AXP{sup TM} machines. Each CPU in the network has its own speed rating, allowed working hours, and workload parameters. The system if designed so that all of the computers in the network can be optimally scheduled without adversely impacting the primary users of the machines. The increase in the total usable computational capacity by means of distributed batch computing can change corporate computing strategy. The integration of disparate computer platforms eliminates the need to buy one type of computer for computations, another for graphics, and yet another for day-to-day operations. It might be possible, for example, to meet all research and engineering computing needs with existing networked computers.
- OSTI ID:
- 28806
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940757-; TRN: 94:007988-0042
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 9. annual Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) petroleum computer conference, Dallas, TX (United States), 31 Jul - 3 Aug 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Petroleum computer conference; PB: 424 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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