Documentation and services
Services available with the MetaCentrum account
MetaCentrum Grid
The grid is the basic method of accessing the MetaCentrum resources. The tasks processed are typically batch-type, with task durations on the scale of hours to weeks. The users specify their demands for resources (hardware requirements, software licences), based on which tasks are planned centrally by a batch system, which is responsible for fair distribution and optimal utilisation of available capacity. In spite of the heterogeneity of its resources, the grid environment is uniform, centrally managed and with centrally managed software (development environments and application software from a wide range of disciplines available from all the computing nodes). Of course, it supports OpenMP and MPI, GP-GPU,…
In addition, user-friendly graphical interfaces (OnDemand, Galaxy,...) streamline data analysis and computation.
MetaCentrum Cloud
The MetacentrumCloud provides the ability to run entire (virtual) machines – computing nodes – instead of computing tasks. Thus, the user achieves absolute freedom of configuration and management of the environment for running calculations, since he becomes the owner and administrator of a set of dedicated virtual computing nodes. The cloud interface is designed for those users who achieve with it a solution to their specific needs or elimination of an obstacle represented by adaptation to a shared distributed computing environment. Examples include requirements for a different operating system (including MS Windows), own environment for task management, or requirement of an international project for installation of an identical environment at all the collaborating institutions.
A significant property of the cloud approach is that it introduces the virtual network as a new resource. Connection of virtual (computing) nodes to a user network produces a virtual cluster, which can change its capacity (number and type of nodes) dynamically. The network can be private (protected), connected to the user’s own environment (virtual expansion of a local cluster) or, thanks to integration with advanced CESNET network services, it can even connect a distributed team across the country.
Kubernetes (Rancher)
At MetaCentrum, the CERIT-SC team operates a cutting-edge container platform built on the robust Kubernetes orchestrator, utilizing Docker container images. Our platform leverages the Rancher Kubernetes distribution, providing an intuitive user interface through the Rancher dashboard. This allows users to easily deploy, manage, and scale their applications, taking advantage of a highly versatile and scalable infrastructure. With a focus on user-centric design, our platform abstracts away the complexities of infrastructure management, enabling users to focus on their applications and research.
With access to a wide range of pre-built applications, Docker images, and the ability to create custom applications, users can easily explore various use cases, from simple web applications to complex workflow pipelines. Check out Rancher Applications (Matlab, Virtual Desktop,…) or Web Applications (Jupyter Notebook, Alphafold/Foldify,…), leverage a vast array of Docker images from global registries like hub.docker.com, keeping in mind any limitations, or create and deploy custom applications.
AI Tools (WebUI + API)
At CERIT-SC, we offer AI services specifically designed for the academic community, providing powerful, user-friendly, and fully controlled solutions. Our Open WebUI platform offers secure, on-premise access to advanced language models for various applications, including chatting, coding, document processing, and image generation. The interface is available in multiple languages, including Czech, and developers and research teams can also access the same models via a documented REST API.
Our services operate entirely within the secure e-INFRA CZ infrastructure, ensuring that your data never leaves this environment and addressing concerns regarding data privacy and third-party data leakage. We provide a range of features, including a chat interface, combined web and arXiv search integrated with AI responses, image generation, and RAG (retrieve and generate) capabilities. Additionally, we offer integration with popular development environments, such as JupyterHub and RStudio, allowing users to easily access AI functionality and customize their experience. The service requires a valid MetaCenter account.