Locally operated desktop environment for a remote computing system

• US 20060048153A1
• Filed: 08/30/2005
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation (State of Utah)
• Original Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation (State of Utah)
• Inventors: Truong, Thanh N.
• Granted Patent: US 7,325,040 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 718/100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/452 Remote windowing, e.g. X-Window System, desktop virtualisation protocols for virtual reality H04L67/131
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5072 Grid computing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]

Abstract

A system and method is provided for a remote desktop environment for a grid enabled system. The system can include a grid enabled server capable of being connected into a grid network. A client computer can be in communication with the grid enabled server. A user desktop environment can be provided for the client computer, and the user desktop environment can securely connect to the grid enabled server, a grid computing network, and map to client computer operating system resources. In addition, a file manager can be in communication with the user desktop environment. The file manager may be configured to allow users to own and directly access user accounts and directories on the grid enabled server.

Claims

1. A remote desktop environment for a grid enabled system, comprising:

a grid enabled server capable of being connected into a grid network;

a client computer in communication with the grid enabled server;

a user desktop environment for the client computer, the user desktop environment being configured to securely connect to the grid enabled server, a grid computing network, and client computer operating system resources; and

a file manager in communication with the user desktop environment, the file manager being configured to allow users to own and directly access user accounts and directories on the grid enabled server.

2. A remote desktop environment as in claim 1, wherein the user desktop environment communicates with the grid enabled server using secure shell (SSH) protocol.

3. A remote desktop environment as in claim 1, wherein the grid enabled server is locally connected to a plurality of computing nodes for processing computing intensive applications.

4. A remote desktop environment as in claim 1, wherein the file manager enables the user to access computing intensive application tools that are available on the grid network.

5. A remote desktop environment as in claim 1, further comprising a database GUI capable of querying and accessing databases located remotely.

6. A remote desktop environment as in claim 1, further comprising a grid access component configured to provide access to the grid network and grid enabled server using a secure shell protocol.

7. A desktop user interface for a grid enabled system, comprising:

a server that is enabled to access a computing grid;

a client that is configured to remotely communicate with the server;

a database graphic user interface for the client that is configured for accessing databases located on the user-specified server and any remote databases accessible to the user;

a resource manager for the client, including a resource interface configured to enable a user to access available computing resources on the computing grid and any remote computer or cluster of computers;

a file manager for the client, the file manager being configured to enable a user to manage files on the server and transparently move files from the server to the client; and

a software linking interface for the client, the software linking interface being configured to provide authoring tools for specific areas of work residing on the server.

8. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the software linking interface enables data transfer between application and filters data passed between the applications.

9. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the software linking interface parses an output of a first scientific application to prepare the output as input for a second scientific application.

10. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the database graphic user interface further enables the user to query and manage data for the databases stored on the server.

11. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the resource manager is enabled to access computing resources on any grid networked computer.

12. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, further comprising a utilities component configured to provide local applications for the user.

13. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the local applications provided for the user in the utilities component are selected from the group consisting of a simple text editor, an image viewer, graphic tools, a spreadsheet, a presentation tool, 3D visualization tools, and communication tools.

14. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the file manager communicates with the server only when there is a request for adding, deleting, updating, or changing the content in the user directories and data storage areas.

15. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the database graphical interface can be used to create private databases, share a database with a designated group of users, and open a public database.

16. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the resource manager is configured to enable a user to submit and monitor jobs submitted to grid network computers.

17. A desktop user interface as in claim 7, wherein the resource manager is configured to display every computer and every grid computer which is accessible to the user for computing jobs.

18. A method for providing a remote desktop environment for a grid enabled system, comprising the steps of:

making a secure shell connection between remote desktop software and a grid enabled server;

authenticating between the remote desktop software and the grid enabled server using a secure network protocol;

mapping a user'"'"'s server accounts and directories for the grid enabled server to the remote desktop software;

loading user directory information into the remote desktop software;

enabling a user to execute a remote or local application through the remote desktop software;

providing access to the grid computing network through the remote desktop software; and

supplying access to databases located remotely from the desktop environment.

19. The method as in claim 18, further comprising the step of downloading the desktop environment through a web browser when the desktop environment has not been loaded.

20. The method as in claim 18, further comprising the step of enabling local tasks to be performed and completed while network tasks are delayed until a network connection is available.

21. A method for providing a remote desktop environment for a mixed mode grid network environment, comprising the steps of:

executing a remote desktop environment on a client computer operating system;

making a secure connection between the remote desktop environment and a grid enabled server;

mapping a user'"'"'s server accounts and directories for the grid enabled server to the remote desktop environment;

mapping the resources of the client computer to the remote desktop environment; and

providing access to the grid computing network through the remote desktop environment.

22. A method as in claim 21, further comprising the step of supplying access to databases located on servers remote from the remote desktop environment.

23. A method as in claim 21, further comprising the step of integrating a plurality of applications for connecting to a grid enabled server, a grid network and the client computer operating system in order to provide a single operating environment.