SAS Grid Topology :: Grid Computing in SAS(R) 9.3, Second Edition

Grid control server

this machine controls distribution of jobs to the grid. Any machine in the grid can be designated as the grid control server. Also, you can choose whether to configure the grid control server as a grid resource capable of receiving work. This machine must contain Base SAS, SAS/CONNECT, and Platform LSF. It typically also contains Platform PM and Platform GMS. The grid control server might also configure a SAS workspace server so that SAS applications (SAS Data Integration Studio, SAS Enterprise Miner, SAS Enterprise Guide, and SAS Add-In for Microsoft Office) can run programs that take advantage of the grid.

Grid node

these machines are grid computing resources that are capable of receiving the work that is being distributed to the grid. The number of nodes in a grid depends on the size, complexity, and volume of the jobs that are run by the grid. You can add or remove nodes as specified by your business needs. Each grid node must contain Base SAS, SAS/CONNECT, Platform LSF, and any applications and solutions needed to run grid-enabled jobs.

Central file server

this machine is used to store data for jobs that run on the grid. In order to simplify installation and ease maintenance, you can also install the SAS binaries on the central file server.

Metadata server

this machine contains the metadata repository that stores the metadata definitions needed by SAS Grid Manager and other SAS applications and solutions that are running on the grid. Although it is recommended that the SAS Metadata Server be on a dedicated machine, it can be run on the grid control server.

SAS Management Console

this application is used to manage the definitions in the metadata repository, to submit jobs to the grid through the Schedule Manager plug-in, and to monitor and manage the grid through the Grid Manager plug-in.

Grid clients

submits jobs to the grid for processing, but is not part of the grid resources available to execute work.

Examples of grid clients are:

a SAS Data Integration Studio client, a SAS Enterprise Miner client, or a SAS Enterprise Guide client that uses a workspace server in the grid. Platform LSF is not required on this client machine.
a SAS Management Console client, that uses the Schedule Manager plug-in or another application to schedule SAS workflows. Platform LSF is not required on this client machine.
a SAS Foundation install that is used to run a program that submits work to the grid. The submitted work can be entire programs or programs broken into parallel chunks. This client must have Base SAS, SAS/CONNECT, and Platform LSF installed. Platform LSF is required to submit the SAS workload to the grid.
a SAS Grid Manager Client Utility. SAS is not required to be installed on this client, but Platform LSF is required to submit the SAS workload to the grid.