Computing Sciences CSAC/ITSD Computer Standards Working Group

Computing Sciences 2 Problem Statement ITSD continually attempts to provide advice to the Berkeley Lab computing community in regard to desktop configuration. ITSD also provides and supports a set of products and services that are intended to satisfy specific computing-related scientific and administrative requirements of the Laboratory. ITSD acknowledges the benefit to scientists and administrators to select desktop configurations specific to their desired usage (special applications, the use of similar systems as their collaborators at Berkeley Lab and other institutions). Given financial constraints, ITSD notes that a standardization of desktop configurations facilitates higher quality desktop offerings and support to the Lab scientists/administrators.

Computing Sciences 3 Givens Experience demonstrates that some level of standardization is necessary and that some portion of the Lab’s scientific programs will not choose to utilize that standard given other considerations. ITSD must provide a set of services (e.g. , calendaring, financial and administrative applications) that must be generally usable. The Lab must require a level of cyber protection on any installed computer platform. Standardization would simplify needed implementation and verification. The overhead budget is essentially fixed and projected recharge income is constrained.

Computing Sciences 4 How Can This Committee Help The Committee would provide a report that might consist of findings, issues and recommendations. Findings are the identification of pertinent facts surrounding desktop configurations and will create a common body of knowledge. (e.g. identify configurations that are currently supported; identify percentage of Berkeley Lab workstations implementing the standard configuration; identify approaches at comparable institutions; identify technological changes that affect a standardization approach) Identification of issues will result in the discussion of items that might not be easy or useful to resolve. (e.g. issues associated with product selection and support; issues associated with need for specific/non-standardized configurations) Recommendations might be directed to scientists/administrators, support staff, and management in regard to actions that they can stop/start/encourage. Recommendations might be content or process in nature. (e.g. recommend a process for selecting a standardized configuration; recommend incentives for use of a standard configuration; recommend a level of support of non-standard configurations)

Computing Sciences 5 Scope The scope of this working group includes desktop computers, laptops and workstations, their operating systems and “shrink wrap” desktop software and utility programs including word processing, spreadsheets, anti-virus protection etc. It excludes selection of computers to be used as servers or for real time applications.

Computing Sciences 6 Membership The Committee will consist of CSAC representatives or their designees who are knowledgeable in this area. ITSD will assign staff members currently involved in strategy formulation, standards definition, selection and support.

Computing Sciences 7 Representation ISS Vic Bhatia Rich Nosek Carl Eben CISNTD Charlie VerboomPoint of Contact Mark Rosenberg Gary Jung Rosemary Evanoff