ryan.alexander0

Q: OS X Server (10.9) Distributive Processing

I've searched and have not found a clear answer. The Apple documentation for OS X server does not mention distributive processing.

After learning that xGrid no longer exists, I have one simple question:

Can OS X Server (10.9) be used for distributive processing over a Gigabit LAN?

I have several MacPros that I'd like to use for CPU intensive processes.

 

Are there any viable alternatives?

 

Thanks for any help/insight.

OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Feb 26, 2014 9:53 AM

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Q: OS X Server (10.9) Distributive Processing

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  • by MrHoffman,

    MrHoffman MrHoffman Feb 26, 2014 11:55 AM in response to ryan.alexander0
    Level 6 (15,612 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 26, 2014 11:55 AM in response to ryan.alexander0

    OS X Server provides no particular benefits here.   As you've noted, the Xgrid service is now gone, and the distcc components formerly used by Xcode have been (~sort of) replaced by Xcode Server, which means you'll have to find or create and then load your own prefered software bits to coordinate and distribute the processing; maybe Open MPI or ZeroMQ, for instance, depending on what you're up to.

  • by webmaster@data2,

    webmaster@data2 webmaster@data2 May 9, 2014 8:18 PM in response to MrHoffman
    Level 1 (5 points)
    May 9, 2014 8:18 PM in response to MrHoffman

    Hi all, for the sake of accuracy on internet searching Apple's Xgrid feature...

     

    Xgrid can be used for many things and it is a feature missed from those who knew its benefits.

     

    While the OSX server itself did not "speed up" or improve performance having the Xgrid service on sole machine (the Server), the tight integration of Xgrid and Podcast Producer and Wiki/Web was well setup and having additional Xgrid enabled computers added value to video production using Podcast Producer.

     

    The overall value of xgrid in todays processor market might say that one current Mac Pro machine would out perform 10 mac computers from OSX 10.6 release date so xgrid appears poor value today but it was the application Podcast Producer that really made use of this feature on OSX server.

     

    For the record we wish Apple retained Podcast Producer as a server software offering, we were never bothered how it achieved its goal so long as the web/wiki integration continued. (Not just dropped! bad apple bad...)

     

    This was a excellent way to deploy training and informative videos, streamlined and automated authoring and uploaded and search filtered with typical wiki styling. Being centralised with web access control + podcast capture app + connected cameras and screen casting was easy to use and simple to understand.

     

    Again this is possible by other software today (still looking for that right replacement) but it was good add-value for purchasing the server edition...