Exploring NeSI’s cloud-based OpenOnDemand Training environment

The complexity of accessing and utilising high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure can create a significant barrier for researchers and students. Recognising this challenge, NeSI has introduced a cloud-based OpenOnDemand training environment, designed to simplify and streamline access while fostering hands-on skill development in computational research.

To introduce the capabilities of NeSI’s cloud-based OpenOnDemand platform through a concise demo, highlighting its potential to empower researchers with intuitive tools for HPC usage, training, and upskilling. The goal is to demonstrate how this environment supports equitable and efficient access to advanced computing resources.

This lightning talk will showcase a live demonstration of NeSI’s OpenOnDemand environment, focusing on key features such as the seamless user interface, remote file management, job scheduling, and access to interactive applications like Jupyter and RStudio. It will also touch on the cloud-based deployment, which enhances accessibility and scalability for training programs. The session will briefly highlight how this environment can be customised for workshop scenarios to cater to diverse research and learning needs.

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of NeSI’s cloud-based OpenOnDemand training environment and its role in simplifying HPC usage. The session will demonstrate how this tool fosters learning, reduces barriers to offering digital training, and equips researchers with a robust platform to drive computational advancements in Aotearoa’s research landscape.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kahu Anderson is a Research DevOps Support Engineer at NeSI with a strong background in Information Technology. With NeSI's new Research Developer Cloud, he provides the Researcher Support team with information and documentation to facilitate collaboration between researchers and NeSI's new platform.

Nisha Ghatak is a Research Communities Advisor – Training Lead at New Zealand eScience Infrastructure. She facilitates skill development efforts nationally and supports training communities through her role as a community coordinator for The Carpentries in Aotearoa New Zealand. Nisha is also a certified Carpentries instructor and part of the Board of Directors for The Carpentries. 

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For more information about the eResearch NZ / eRangahau Aotearoa conference, visit:
https://eresearchnz.co.nz/