HPC software usability enhancement through evaluation and training

The National Grand Challenges program has identified ten computational critical technology areas (CTAs) and there is a need to enhance HPC software usability to address these critical CTAs. We have evaluated the software training needs of HPC users based on the user survey records of 1998. An analysis of the HPC user survey indicates six major types of software being used at various locations. These are divided among system software, compiler software, special application software (in-house, large scale, and library software), software tools, virtualization software and small-scale software. We have ranked software by user training needs in the above six areas. The user software training needs for different software categories are ranked as: FORTRAN90, C++, C, and HPF for compiler software; MATLAB for small-scale software; LS-DYNA3D for special application software; FAST for virtualization software; MPI, and PVM for software tools; and Origin2000, T3E, C90, T90, and SP for system software. Additionally we have identified various Web sites and sources that offer software training courses. In addition, we offer on-site courses for training in FORTRAN, C++, C, and MATLAB and are planning to develop Web based courses in these areas. These training programs will increase the pool of well trained HPC software users and thus enhance HPC software usability.