Bnext Hub Phase 3 Setup Guide

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the setup process for the Bnext Hub, Phase 3. This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps and considerations for deploying a new hub on the bnext.2i2c.cloud infrastructure. We'll cover everything from initial setup to fine-tuning profiles, so you can ensure a smooth and efficient deployment.

Context

(Currently, there's no specific context provided, but this section would typically outline the purpose and goals of this particular hub deployment.)

How Many Hubs Will Be Deployed?

For this phase, we're deploying one hub.

Which Cluster Will the Hub(s) Be Deployed On?

The hub will be deployed on the bnext-bio cluster.

Hub Setup Information

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty details! For each hub deployment, it's crucial to have a comprehensive setup table. Make sure each table is fully filled out to ensure the hub is considered READY for deployment. If you're setting up a staging/production pair, you can simply state "Same as staging but for production" for the production hub's specs, as long as they are identical. Use the "Notes" column to provide any extra context or specific instructions.

Before we jump in, here's a handy resource you should bookmark: the 2i2c Infrastructure Hub Deployment Guide. This runbook will be your best friend throughout this process. It is highly recommended to keep this guide open in another tab, as it provides detailed instructions and best practices for each step.

Hub 1: prod (READY/NOT READY)

Let's set up the prod hub. We'll go through each phase systematically to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Phase 3.1: Initial Setup

This phase is all about getting the basic hub infrastructure up and running. It's where we define the core characteristics of the hub.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• Hub Name: We've named this hub prod to clearly indicate it's the production environment. Consistency in naming conventions helps avoid confusion. Choosing a clear and descriptive name makes it easier to manage and identify the hub in the future. Consider using a naming scheme that reflects the purpose or environment of the hub, such as data-science-hub or staging-hub.
• Dask Gateway: For this deployment, we're not using Dask Gateway. Dask Gateway is an important tool for distributed computing, but it's not always necessary for every hub. Make sure the decision to include or exclude Dask Gateway aligns with the hub's intended use case. Dask Gateway is ideal for scenarios where users need to run parallel computations across a cluster of machines, such as large-scale data processing or machine learning tasks.
• Splash Image: The splash image is the first thing users see when they access the hub, so make a good impression! Choose an image from https://bnext.bio/ that is visually appealing and relevant to the hub's purpose. A well-chosen splash image can enhance the user experience and create a positive first impression. Consider using a logo, a relevant graphic, or a visually appealing representation of the hub's mission.
• Homepage URL: This directs users to the main webpage associated with the hub. A clear and accessible homepage provides users with essential information, such as documentation, support resources, and contact details. It serves as the central hub for all relevant information pertaining to the platform. A well-designed homepage can significantly improve user engagement and satisfaction.
• Funding Source: It's important to document the funding source for transparency and accountability. Knowing where the resources come from helps with budgeting and resource allocation. Clearly identifying the funding source also enables better tracking of expenses and ensures that the hub's operations are sustainable in the long run. This information is crucial for financial reporting and stakeholder communication.
• Authentication Mechanism: We're using GitHub for authentication, which is a popular and secure method for managing user access. GitHub integration simplifies user onboarding and leverages existing user accounts. This approach also provides enhanced security features, such as two-factor authentication, making it a reliable choice for access control. GitHub authentication streamlines the login process and enhances security.
• Admin Users: We'll need to add the GitHub handles of the administrators who will manage the hub. These users will have elevated privileges and be responsible for maintaining the hub's health and performance. Carefully selecting admin users is crucial for the smooth operation and security of the hub. Administrators should have the technical expertise and commitment to effectively manage the platform and ensure its reliability.

At the end of this phase, both 2i2c engineers and the admin users mentioned should be able to log in to the hub. This is a critical milestone that verifies the basic infrastructure is functional and accessible.

Don't forget to notify Community Representatives that the hub is now available using FreshDesk, as outlined in the runbook documentation. Keeping the community informed is essential for promoting adoption and ensuring everyone is aware of the new resource.

Phase 3.2: Additional Features

Now, let's enhance the hub with some additional features to improve functionality and user experience. This phase focuses on enabling key services like scratch and persistent buckets.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• Scratch Bucket: Enabling a scratch bucket provides temporary storage space for users. This is useful for storing intermediate files and datasets that don't need to be persisted long-term. Scratch buckets are ideal for short-term data storage needs and can help optimize storage costs by automatically deleting data after a certain period. This is particularly beneficial for data processing tasks where temporary files are generated and used.
• Persistent Bucket: Enabling a persistent bucket provides long-term storage for user data. This is crucial for storing important files, notebooks, and datasets that need to be retained. Persistent buckets ensure that user data is securely stored and accessible across sessions. This feature is essential for collaborative projects and long-term data management.
• Requester Pays (GCP Only): This question is not applicable here as we're not using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) buckets. Requester Pays is a feature specific to GCP that allows users to pay for access to data stored in external buckets. Since this hub is not deployed on GCP, this setting is irrelevant. Knowing the specifics of different cloud platforms is essential for accurate configuration.
• gh-scoped-creds: Setting up gh-scoped-creds allows users to securely access GitHub resources from within the hub. This is particularly useful for interacting with repositories, accessing private data, and automating workflows. gh-scoped-creds enhances security by providing fine-grained access control and preventing the need to store sensitive credentials directly in the hub environment. This ensures that users can seamlessly integrate GitHub functionalities into their workflows.

At the end of this phase, both 2i2c engineers and the admin users mentioned should be able to access any object storage setup. This confirms that the storage integrations are correctly configured and accessible to authorized users.

Phase 3.3: Profile List

The profile list defines the available software environments that users can launch within the hub. It's crucial to provide a range of options to cater to different user needs.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• Standard Notebook Options: We're including Scipy, Pangeo, and RStudio notebooks as standard options. These cover a wide range of scientific computing and data science needs. Offering a variety of pre-configured environments streamlines the user experience and reduces setup time. These notebooks are commonly used in various scientific domains, ensuring that users have access to familiar and powerful tools.
• Custom Image Specification: Allowing users to specify custom images gives them flexibility to use specific software versions or environments not included in the default list. Enabling unlisted_choice is crucial for this functionality. This is particularly beneficial for users with specific project requirements or dependencies. The ability to use custom images empowers users and fosters innovation within the hub environment.
• Max RAM Option: Define the maximum RAM option allowed for user servers. This helps to manage resource consumption and prevent performance issues. Setting appropriate RAM limits ensures that the hub operates smoothly and efficiently, preventing any single user from monopolizing resources. This is crucial for maintaining a stable and responsive environment for all users.
• Dynamic Image Building: Decide whether to enable dynamic image building. This allows users to build custom images on the fly, but it can also consume significant resources. Dynamic image building is a powerful feature but requires careful consideration of resource implications. It is ideal for environments where users frequently need to create custom software stacks or experiment with different configurations.
• GPU Enabled: Enabling GPU support is crucial for users working with computationally intensive tasks, such as machine learning and deep learning. GPU acceleration can significantly reduce processing times and improve performance. This is essential for users who require high-performance computing capabilities for their research or projects. GPU-enabled environments open up a wide range of possibilities for advanced data analysis and modeling.
• Default Interface: We're setting JupyterLab as the default interface, which is a modern and versatile environment for interactive computing. JupyterLab offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for most users. It provides a flexible and customizable environment for data analysis, scientific computing, and education. JupyterLab is the preferred choice for many users due to its enhanced features and ease of use.
• Multiple Concurrent Servers: Deciding whether to allow multiple concurrent servers per user depends on the hub's resource capacity and user needs. If yes, enable allowNamedServers. This feature enables users to run multiple independent servers simultaneously, allowing them to work on different projects or tasks concurrently. This can significantly improve productivity and workflow efficiency for users who need to juggle multiple computational tasks.

At the end of this phase, the admin users mentioned should be able to start a server with their desired environment(s). This is a key milestone that confirms the profile list is correctly configured and users can access the necessary software environments.

Phase 3.4: GitHub Authentication Tuning (Delete if not using GitHub auth)

This phase is specific to GitHub authentication. If you're using a different authentication mechanism, you can skip this phase.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• GitHub Teams: Specify the GitHub teams that should have access to the hub. This allows you to control access based on team membership. Using GitHub teams simplifies user management and ensures that only authorized individuals can access the hub. This is a best practice for security and collaboration within the hub environment.
• Profile Restriction via Teams: Decide whether to restrict profile options based on team membership. This allows you to tailor the user experience for different groups. This feature is useful for providing specialized environments or limiting access to certain resources based on user roles or project requirements. It ensures that users have access to the tools and resources they need, while also maintaining a secure and efficient environment.

Phase 3.4: CILogon Authentication Tuning (Delete if not using CILogon auth)

If you're using CILogon for authentication, this is the section for you. If not, you can safely skip this.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• Institution ID: Specify the institution ID(s) to be given access. This ensures that only users affiliated with the specified institutions can authenticate via CILogon. CILogon is commonly used in academic and research environments, and specifying the institution ID restricts access to the intended user base. This is an important step for maintaining security and ensuring compliance with access policies.

Phase 3.5: Profile List Fine-tuning

This final phase allows for further customization of the profile list, such as specifying custom images.

Key Steps & Considerations:

• Custom Image Specification: If you need to use a custom image, specify it here. This allows you to use a specific environment tailored to your needs. Custom images are useful for specialized applications or environments that are not covered by the default options. This flexibility ensures that the hub can accommodate a wide range of use cases.
• Default Custom Image: Decide whether the custom image should be the default. This can streamline the user experience if the custom image is the most commonly used environment. Setting a default custom image can simplify the setup process for users who frequently use that environment. This helps to optimize workflows and reduce the need for manual configuration.

By completing these phases, you'll have a fully functional and customized hub ready for use. Remember to consult the 2i2c Infrastructure Hub Deployment Guide for detailed instructions and best practices. Good luck, and happy deploying!