Prepare IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center server to launch applications

In order for applications to be started remotely from IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center, you need to configure the VNC server and an X-Window system on the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center server.

Before you begin

Prerequisites:

  • Ensure IBM Spectrum LSF and IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center are installed and running.
  • Ensure LSF_DISABLE_LSRUN=N in the LSF configuration file lsf.conf. This is required for launching remote applications.

Procedure

  1. As root, log on to the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center server.

    If you installed with High Availability, log on to the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center master, the instance that contains the data loader. You can use the command pmcadmin -V to view which host is the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center master.

  2. Install a VNC server on the host.

    For example, to install TigerVNC:

    # yum -y install tigervnc*
    Important: You can only use one type of VNC server. If RealVNC is already installed, do not install TigerVNC as this will cause errors in IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center.
  3. Install gedit on the host to make the sample configuration work as this is configured to run on the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center server. This will be helpful for testing that everything is working properly.

    For example:

    # yum -y install gedit

    By default, IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center provides a sample configuration to start the gedit GNOME text editor. The application is launched from the IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center server, which is acceptable for a sample but is not recommended for regular use due to performance reasons.

  4. Install an X Window System and start it.
    1. Install an X Window System.

      For example:

      # yum -y groupinstall "X Window System" "Desktop"
    2. Log on to a graphic console, then run the startx command inside the console. 
      # startx
  5. Install rdesktop if you are planning on launching Windows applications from LSF Windows server hosts. 
    # yum -y install rdesktop
  6. Install a VNC viewer on your client host such as RealVNC Viewer so that you can launch remote applications from your client and test that everything is working properly. Log in to IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center from your client host, select the Jobs tab, then Data, and select any *.txt,*.log, or *.sh file and select Open with application > Open with GEDIT.

    You will be prompted to associate the .vnc file with your VNC viewer. A remote console should be displayed after that with the selected file inside GEDIT.

  7. Optional. Test launching the application from IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center Desktop Client by installing IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center Desktop Client on your client host, installing a VNC viewer on the host, then selecting the Applications tab in IBM Spectrum LSF Application Center Desktop Client.

What to do next