A lightweight web interface to grid scheduling systems

ABSTRACT

Grid computing is often out of reach for the very scientists who need these resources because of the complexity of popular middleware suites. Some effort has gone into abstracting away these complexities using graphical user interfaces, some of which have been Web-based. This paper presents a lightweight and portable interface for Grid management, that is made possible using recent advances in dynamic technologies for Web applications. Case studies are presented to demonstrate that this interface is both usable and useful. An analysis of usage then highlights some positive and negative aspects of this approach.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques

Keywords:
AJAX, grid computing, grid computing usability, scheduling, usability