[AG-TECH] New node guidance and direction

[John Maher]

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Thank you all for your responses.  This is very helpful information.

In answer to Jason's and Jeremy's question about the type of node, the
first time use of this node will be to present to the NSF and will
require a room holding about 50 people.  I don't know that that is the
expected audience size in the future.  Many unknowns here.  But, in
short, because we don't have dedicated space for the node, the
configuration needs to be rather mobile.  A mobile node is not the
ultimate goal, but it is what we have to initially work with.

I'll check all of the information provided.  Thanks again, and any more
suggestions are heartily welcome.

John


Jason Bell wrote:
> G'day John
> 
> If I may supply my 2 cents worth.  The difficult thing about setting up
> an Access Grid is that the design can be extremely flexible.  IE, do you
> want a portable system (ie, trolley on wheels) or a fully blown room
> base installation?
> 
> I have given over the years a number of presentations and workshops that
> cover the topic of "Design Considerations for a Room Based Access Grid
> Node".  Some documents that I think might be useful include:
> 
> http://www.accessgrid.org/node/753
> 
> Also, a large number of presentations (Powerpoint slides) can also be
> found at http://www.arcs.org.au/VideoWorkshopsSchedule, especially the
> room design presentation which is similar to the one above!
> 
> My first question to you would be, what is the purpose of the room?  Is
> the room going to be used as for:
> 
>     * Small group collaboration;
> 
>     * Research seminars; or
> 
>     * Large lecture teachings.
> 
> Because depending on the purpose, can determine some of the design
> concept issues....
> 
> I would also suggest:
> 
> *	Looking at the Global node listing, as a number of them have
> attached images which can give you a feel of various AG designs
> (http://www.accessgrid.org/nodes). 
> 
> *	Have a look at the hardware section,
> http://www.accessgrid.org/hardware, as it provides some examples of
> various hardware items that might be useful.
> 
> Additionally, if you have wanting more of a complete list of items
> required for various Access Grids, I can suggest you have a look at some
> of my Personal AG nodes, which can be found at
> http://ag.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=5673.  Particularly the
> Rockhampton and Mackay AG's, as they are somewhat very different.
> 
> My last comment would be this, if possible, install the AG software on a
> available computer (even laptop using a mic and headphone, as this would
> allow you to get something up and running) which would allow you to get
> a feel for how the AG works and also an opportunity to talk to local AG
> sites to ask questions and gain valuable insights.  
> 
> I hope some of this information is useful.
> 
> Cheers,
> Jason.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Maher [mailto:john at chem.umass.edu] 
> Sent: Thursday, 6 November 2008 11:10 PM
> To: ag-tech at mcs.anl.gov
> Subject: [AG-TECH] New node guidance and direction
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I've recently been given the responsibility to establish an AG node at
> the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus for the Chemistry
> Department.  I've read much of the documentation out there, but I have
> not yet found documentation that guides one through the development of a
> new node from the perspective of a newbie.  I would not be surprised if
> the documentation is available.  Can anyone point me to some links that
> will guide me in the development of a node?
> 
> Thanks very much.
> 
> John
> 


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John Maher
Senior Systems and Network Administrator
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and
Department of Chemistry
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
voice: 413-577-3120  fax: 413-545-4490
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