Gliding Over HPC Barriers with the Transformative Power of Open OnDemand and Con

HPC presents significant challenges, especially for researchers in the biomedical fields who may not have a computational background. The steep learning curve and complex software demands often make effective HPC utilization a daunting task. Open OnDemand (OOD) and containers offer a powerful solution to these challenges by enhancing accessibility and functionality.
OOD simplifies the HPC experience with a user-friendly, browser-based interface that includes file access, terminals, full desktop environments and templates for common applications and custom job submissions, making it easier for researchers to navigate and utilize powerful computing resources almost intuitively, without prior Linux expertise.
Meanwhile, containers provide a consistent and optimized environment for software deployment, crucial for maintaining reproducibility and reliability in research. By using containers, implemented via Podman at Moffitt, researchers can easily manage, deploy and share a variety of software configurations, reducing the dependency on extensive HPC support.
In this session, we demonstrate how OOD and containers work to transform HPC into a more accessible and manageable tool for researchers, illustrated through several examples and live demos.