User`s guide

6 Programming Overview
6-6
• Is the handling of parallel computing jobs the only cluster scheduling management
you need?
The MJS is designed specifically for MathWorks
®
parallel computing applications. If
other scheduling tasks are not needed, a third-party scheduler might not offer any
advantages.
• Is there a file sharing configuration on your cluster already?
The MJS can handle all file and data sharing necessary for your parallel computing
applications. This might be helpful in configurations where shared access is limited.
• Are you interested in batch mode or managed interactive processing?
When you use an MJS, worker processes usually remain running at all times,
dedicated to their MJS. With a third-party scheduler, workers are run as applications
that are started for the evaluation of tasks, and stopped when their tasks are
complete. If tasks are small or take little time, starting a worker for each one might
involve too much overhead time.
• Are there security concerns?
Your own scheduler might be configured to accommodate your particular security
requirements.
• How many nodes are on your cluster?
If you have a large cluster, you probably already have a scheduler. Consult your
MathWorks representative if you have questions about cluster size and the MJS.
• Who administers your cluster?
The person administering your cluster might have a preference for how jobs are
scheduled.
• Do you need to monitor your job's progress or access intermediate data?
A job run by the MJS supports events and callbacks, so that particular functions can
run as each job and task progresses from one state to another.
Components on Mixed Platforms or Heterogeneous Clusters
Parallel Computing Toolbox software and MATLAB Distributed Computing Server
software are supported on Windows, UNIX
®
, and Macintosh operating systems. Mixed
platforms are supported, so that the clients, MJS, and workers do not have to be on the