User Representation in TeraGrid Management Jay Boisseau Director, Texas Advanced Computing Center The University of Texas at Austin

How well users are represented in the TG management process? Are user views effectively integrated into the management process or are they dealt with separately?

User Representation in Management Process TeraGrid is a science-driven project: our users are scientists with computational/CI requirements TeraGrid actively solicits user requirements through multiple means (previous presentation) User requirements are used by TG management at all scales –GIG project selection and prioritization –RP resource configuration, s/w apps, etc. –TG (GIG and RP) policies and procedures –Even for new proposals for R&D to augment TG services

User Representation in Management Process (continued) TeraGrid sites depend on users for direct advisory roles –Resource Allocations Committee Users determine what science gets done! –Science Advisory Board Provides guidance on how we enable science to get done –Center advisory groups (formal & informal) Most centers have formal committees or informal but persistent relationships with major/regular/friendly users to receive direct feedback –Special purpose advisory groups Example: Ranger (first Track2 system) has a dedicated used advisory committee (Obviously, review teams include users and play major roles in TG management decisions as well)

User View Integration into Management Again, as discussed in previous presentation, user inputs are collected via diverse, complimentary methods –Each mechanism has advantages--no single method would solicit comprehensive user inputs –Inputs are collected and reviewed by TG team, which is highly coordinated (arch meetings, RP Forum telecons, GIG telecons, WG telecons, quarterly meetings, xRAC meetings, special workshops, etc.)

User View Integration into Management (continued) User inputs are integrated in different ways depending on need to be addressed: –xRAC inputs implemented almost directly xRAC input extended to include recommendations for ASTA support –Advisory inputs receive direct, formal response, and generate specifci, direct action items for TG SAB response in progress Ranger advisory group generation action items Etc. –Other user inputs integrated into GIG project priorities and/or RP planning as appropriate Coordination and collaboration thru GIG and RP Forum enables some inputs to be implemented across all sites--a key advantage of TeraGrid (e.g. working in improvements in TG-wide allocations process based on user inputs) Pride and competitive spirit ensure RP-specific inputs enabling increased science impact are implemented by RP site management, promoting strongest set of RP partners within TG