SimpleVM makes it possible to bring cloud computing to everyone. Virtual machines can be easily started and managed with just a few clicks, regardless of the user's experience. The user management enables easy administration of access to virtual machines, clusters and projects.
SimpleVM eliminates the complex configurations that are necessary for the use of cloud computing. Users can access common functionalities directly and easily.
In addition to starting machines or entire clusters, SimpleVM also enables the launch of browser based research environments in the cloud. Tools such as RStudio® can be accessed in the browser within a matter of seconds. The same applies to installing packages that are available via Anaconda®.
SimpleVM enables larger groups of participants to easily take part in workshops in a cloud computing context. Tutors can quickly and easily start virtual machines for workshop participants, on which the tools needed for the course are already pre-installed.
SimpleVM enables the starting and management of SLURM based clusters. Master and worker instances can be built from a predefined base image or snapshot. Both can use utilize any flavor available in the used cloud environment. Autoscaling allows the clusters to be adjusted automatically based on the jobs submitted to SLURM.
SimpleVM is currently optimized for a seamless integration with OpenStack®. All that is needed to get started is access to a pool project in OpenStack®. SimpleVM handles the communication between the cloud infrastructure and the user and provides all the necessary information and control options for VMs. Its adaptable architecture is structured to allow for easy integration with other cloud providers and technologies in the future.
Our SimpleVM Wiki provides a comprehensive overview of how to use SimpleVM.
A description of all functions of the platform as well as many guides and tips can be found here.
Visit our wikiSimpleVM has been used for many years as a dedicated project type for cloud projects within the de.NBI Cloud. It is primarily aimed at users from the life sciences who want to use computational resources for scientific work quickly and easily.
More experienced users also frequently use this project type because of the simple setup of clusters and browser-based reseach environments.
Find out how users have successfully used SimpleVM in research projects.
Read testimonialsSimpleVM allows the integration of Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure (AAI) for a seamless use of various IDPs, like LifeScience AAI or a local university IDPs. With Keycloak managing accounts behind the scenes, it provides centralised control and enhanced security while reducing administrative overhead and simplifying user authentication.
SimpleVM's microservices architecture offers the advantage of independent component updates, ensuring seamless maintenance This design improves reliability and scalability and allows to run updates without disrupting the entire stack.
The use of SimpleVM enables a large number of projects and users to access virtual machines. Valuable floating IPs are saved through a central gateway, which uses automatic port mapping to make all machines in SimpleVM centrally accessible via an IP address.
The built-in intrusion prevention system based on SNORT, which runs on the gateway, prevents brute force attacks on machines and automatically blocks requests from IP addresses that are classified as untrustworthy in corresponding databases. This significantly increases the security of the machines running in SimpleVM.
SimpleVM is being built by a team of developers at IBG-5 of the Jülich Research Centre. Originally created as part of the de.NBI Cloud Portal, the development of SimpleVM in now running as a parallel track to enable its use in a wider range of contexts.