Introduction to e-Infrastructure: Enabling the Research of the Future

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Manchester Computing, Kilburn Building, Manchester

Manchester Computing, Kilburn Building, Manchester
Description
(Please note the registration and location information given below.) Research is increasingly carried out by collaborations enabled by the Internet. These collaborations may be within a University, between institutes within a country, or be international. A typical feature of such collaborative research enterprises is that, by building with the infrastructure and software of grid computing, they share very large data collections and very large scale computing resources. e-Infrastructure is the term used for the technology and organisations that support research pursued in this manner. It embraces networks, grids, data centres and collaborative environments and includes the supporting operations centres, certificate authorities, training and help-desk services. A range of e-Infrastructure developments is maturing: grid computing is increasingly used as a basis for the computation and data management required by collaborative research, and JISC investments such as in virtual research environments are now being adopted. Production services, notably the National Grid Service and the international EGEE grid are being established, and at the same time new technologies are poised for deployment. A kaleidescope of possibilities results, one which is becoming ever more colourful. The technologies are increasingly being applied in many domains, far beyond the bounds of the early adopters who were in a few scientific disciplines. This event is presented by the National e-Science Centre, MIMAS, Manchester Computing, ESNW, and NCeSS. It will: * Inform decision makers, researchers and systems management about the possibilities that are arising. * Support ESNW, NCeSS, MIMAS, and Manchester Computing in building communities of those adopting or considering adopting e-Infrastructure. To achieve these goals the talks seek to give: * An overview of initiatives in the North-West * An understanding of the concepts, status, and promise of e-Infrastructure * An outline of major initiatives at the scales of University, UK and internationally. Target Audience: This event is aimed at researchers, IT systems managers and decision makers in research-active institutions. Registration: The event is free, but it is necessary to register to attend. It is expected that some people will attend only day 1, others will attend both days (Day 2 will build on the concepts introduced in day 1 - anyone wishing to attend day 2 only should be familiar with the the concepts of grid computing and with the goals and organisation of the National Grid Service.). Please register separately for each day: FOR DAY 1: email joyce.dodson@manchester.ac.uk FOR DAY 2: go to webpage http://www.nesc.ac.uk/action/registration/egee/index.cfm?id=675 The following agenda may be subject to minor modification. Location: Manchester Computing, Kilburn Building, Oxford Road A campus map is at http://www.manchester.ac.uk/medialibrary/maps/campusmap.pdf. Kilburn is building number 38. Also see http://www.mc.manchester.ac.uk/about/visit