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HPC enables you to solve computational problems for which a single computer lacks the power. An HPC cluster runs on Linux software, a computer operating system slightly less known than, for instance, Windows. A cluster consists of a collection of a huge number of individual computers called nodes that are connected to each other via a high-speed connection. All these different nodes in a cluster work in parallel with each other, therefore increasing the processing speed to deliver high-performance computing. Whether you work with human or non-human subject data, there is always a HPC cluster available that suits your research.
Depending on the type of cluster, it is possible to make use of bulk data storage, including backup facilities. This ensures that your data are always stored safely. Furthermore, several analysis pipelines are available and data can be shared securely and conveniently.
Which services do the UMCG HPC clusters offer?
Please note: Knowledge of Linux software is required to work with the UMCG HPC cluster because you work with a command line.
Gearshift is the High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster for the UMCG’s human subject data. This cluster allows you to analyse data sets containing large and/or complex data and to perform calculations that cannot be achieved using a regular computer, in compliance with the rules and regulations regarding human subject data. The Gearshift cluster works with a scheduler system, which means that calculation jobs are automatically scheduled and performed when it is your turn and capacity has become available.
The key features of the Gearshift cluster
Cluster Components
Gearshift consists of various types of servers and storage systems, some of which can be directly accessed by users.
Costs
The costs you will have to pay for using the data storage service and the Gearshift HPC cluster are based on the amount of data you store. If you wish to use the data storage service, you will have to pay for the permanent storage (prm) option. Automatic tape backups are included in the price. If you wish to make HPC calculations, you will have to pay for the temporary storage (tmp) option as well, which includes use of the computing facilities. For both the permanent and the temporary storage services, the fee is €250 per terabyte (TB) of data storage per year. Therefore, if you wish to use both the storage and computing facilities, you will have to pay €500 per TB per year. The minimum amount required is 1 TB for 1 year.
Training
Beginner courses Human Subject Data
Provided by
The Genomics Coordination Center (GCC)
For whom
UMCG and UG researchers and/or research initiated by UMCG/UG researchers
The Peregrine cluster is a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster that allows you to analyse data sets containing large and/or complex data. It allows you to perform calculations that cannot be achieved using a regular computer, in compliance with the rules and regulations that apply to non-human subject data.
Please note: This HPC cluster is provided by the University of Groningen (UG). For more information about this cluster, please contact the Center for Information Technology service desk at the UG.
Which services does the Peregrine HPC cluster offer?
Costs
None
Training
You are welcome to participate in the monthly course to learn the basics needed to use the Peregrine cluster.
More information and request form Non-Human Subject Data
Provided by
The University of Groningen (UG)
The use of one of the HPC clusters requires knowledge of bioinformatics and how to work with a command line. To gain access to the cluster’s HPC facilities, you must have successfully completed the associated cluster course or have had an intake interview with the GCC. Depending on the number of applications, an introduction course is provided together with the Center for Information Technology (CIT) at the University of Groningen (UG) twice a year. The scheduling of the courses will take place based on demand
If you are interested: signing up for Cluster course
Working with the HPC clusters takes place in a group setting. Gaining access to a group and the associated data set requires the prior approval by the owner of that group. Principal investigators can ask for a new group to be set up for their research project(s). Each group has at least one owner, one data manager and one member.
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Genetics - Genomics Coordination Center
PO Box 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands
Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Genetics - Genomics Coordination Center
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
9713 AV Groningen
location: building 3211 and building 3226 (5th floor)