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Service overview

Kubernetes (K8s) is the platform made available by the data center for running jobs on its HPC/GPU cluster.

Compared with HTCondor, Kubernetes is generally the preferred choice when:

  • the job is standalone, meaning it does not consist of hundreds of independent low-core tasks;
  • GPUs and/or significant computing resources are required;
  • (optional) you want to work naturally with container images.

Warning

Only containerized workloads can be executed on the Kubernetes cluster. However, a default container image is available to make the cluster easy to use even for users who are not familiar with containerization technologies, by providing a ready-to-use environment.

You may use a third-party container image, the default image provided by the service, or build your own custom image.
The default image is based on the configuration of the HTCondor worker nodes (AlmaLinux 9), making the transition to Kubernetes as transparent as possible for users who already use the traditional HTC/HPC service. In many cases, this is also the recommended choice for users who want to start using the cluster without first having to study all the theoretical aspects of the container concept.

How to submit a request

Access to our HPC/GPU Kubernetes Cluster is available only for users with a ReCaS-Bari HTC/HPC account active. Users without such an account MUST request one.
Once your request has been submitted, it must be approved by the datacenter's technical coordinators. This process usually takes a few working days. You will receive an automatic email notification as soon as your account is activated.

After that, you can request access to the Kubernetes service using this link.

Please provide the following information:

   Title: “ReCaS HPC/GPU: request to access HPC/GPU K8s cluster”  
   Issue:
   - Name and Surname
   - HTC/HPC service username

You will be notified by email once access has been granted.