Proposal for UK HEP institute computing representation via system managers
(Last mod: 28-May-1998, R.Cranfield, UCL)
Status
This proposal arose from discussion among the system managers present
at the RAL "SYSMAN" meeting on 20-May-1998, in the presence of the
current chair of CNAP, Robin Devenish. Many sites reported concerns about
the growing system support load and looked for opportunities to access
the collective view of the HEP community. The majority of those present
agreed that the proposal should be given a trial. Bob Cranfield, Dave
Kelsey and David Martin (co-organisers of the RAL meeting) agreed to
progress the matter.
Motivation
- Perceived/reported need for greater information flow between
"system managers" at the different institutes.
- Perceived/reported need for greater information flow from PPARC,
CLRC, accelerator sites and experiments to institutes, and vice versa.
- Requirement from CNAP for information on institute computing needs
concerns, and strategic planning.
Suggested terms of reference
Communication between institutes, CNAP/PPARC, CLRC, accelerator sites and
experiments, on institute computing matters, with special emphasis on
technical and management topics not already covered by PPNCG (networking
focus) and CUF (experiment focus).
Organisation
Meetings
~3 per year
One 2-day open meeting, continuing series organised by Dave Kelsey at RAL.
These meetings will attempt to present one or two items in depth, with
hands-on where appropriate, plus relevant reports and updates.
Two 1-day meetings, with venues rotating round institute sites:
Format to be evolved, but probably:
11:00-16:00, with round-table "business" session, covering site updates,
organisation, interaction with CNAP/PPC, experiments and central labs,
plus topic-focussed in-depth presentation/discussion.
Attendance would be by invitation, with at least one representative
per site, plus appropriate CLRC attendance (20-25 people?).
Electronic information flow
Establishment of bulletin-board type dynamic information exchange on
problems and ideas. Precise form to be agreed (possibly Hypernews?).
Video/tele-conferencing
This may be problematic with so many sites involved, but the
possibility should be explored wherever it looks promising.
Representation
It is proposed that the CNAP membership contain TWO members
specifically representing institute computing interests. These roles
would naturally evolve from the current "system managers" and
"graphics group" appointments. The rotation cycles of these two
appointments are conveniently out of phase with each other, providing a
useful overlap period.
Reporting
It should be a task of the institutes to provide appropriate
information to the PPC, at least by providing input to the "institute
computing" reps on CNAP for the CNAP Annual Report. Part of this input
would comprise summarised site information on current computing
arrangements, plans and concerns. Other reports can be envisaged on
topics identified at the meetings.