GSIMF: A Grid Software Installation Management Framework

To process the vast amount of data from high energy physics experiments, physicists rely on Computational and Data Grids; yet, the distribution, installation, and updating of a myriad of di¿erent versions of di¿erent programs over the Grid environment is complicated, time-consuming, and error-prone. This project will develop a Grid Software Installation Management Framework (GSIMF) for managing soft­ware applications over the Grid infrastructure. A set of Grid services and tools will automate the software installation management process by installing and removing software packages on behalf of users. Phase I developed key prototype Grid services for querying available software packages and installing software on distributed Grid computing elements, demonstrated the prototype services using an ALTAS analysis software package, and explored and investigated other software installation management strategies. Phase II will focus on hardening the implementations and enhancing the func­tionality of the prototype Grid services. Speci¿cally, the ¿exibility and the reusability of the software packages will be enhanced, and comprehensive security and administrative policy management support will be provided. Because an automatic and ¿exible software management system adds a new dimension to job management on the Grid, Phase II will also investigate ways of utilizing the framework for job executions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new Grid management framework should enable users to remotely install programs and tap into the computing power provided by Grids. The new management framework should find use in various data intensive and collaborative appli­cations, such as nuclear physics experiments (e.g., RHIC), space science observations, and climate modeling