BlueBox

BlueBox (opens new window) is a tool that we have developed to help you distribute your analysis across a fleet of cloud machines inside your lab.

In short, BlueBox aids with the installation of software packages and handling of data, code and results across many machines.

• 1. Order a fleet of machines
• 2. Install
• 3. Configuration
• 4. Do science
• More information

TIP

Visit our BlueBox Guide (opens new window) on Github for the full documentation. Below is an outline of the steps to get you started.

1. Order a fleet of machines

The installation of BlueBox requires access to a fleet of On-demand or BLUE machines.

1.1 Order a fleet of machines for your BlueBox in our administer science service desk.

We will set up your machines and provide you with a list of machine names that you can utilize.

2. Install

BluBox is installed on your lab's home machine where it orchestrate the communication with a fleet of On-demand or BLUE machines where you analysis happens.

Helping hand

Contact us us for a helping hand to get up and running. We care passionately about your ability to scale science.

2.1. Install dependencies on your lab home machine:

which tox || sudo apt install tox sshpass

2.2. Download our BlueBox code:

git clone https://github.com/huntdatacenter/bluebox.git && cd bluebox

3. Configuration

3.1. Specify the machines in your fleet:

3.1.1 Open at the example.hosts.txt file to see the formatting.

3.1.2 Generate a new file named hosts.txt that specify which machines in your fleet you would like to utilize.

An example of such a list may look like:

# -- Non-work example list
ubuntu@demolab-blue-azelf
ubuntu@demolab-blue-maiar
ubuntu@demolab-blue-zaran

3.2. Test your setup

You need to set up your machine the first you use BlueBox and when you are adding or removing machines to your fleet. Run this code to set up machine keys:

make setup

4. Do science

Now that your machines are activated, head over to our BlueBox Guide (opens new window) on Github to complete the full configuration to set up your software dependencies, push your code and data and run your code in parallel.

More information

• BlueBox Guide (opens new window) on Github.