Commonality in Announcing and Logging Changes
BC Project: FY06-11
Date of Policy: 21 Sep 2009
Last Updated: 21 Oct 2021 (see Revision Log)
This policy defines a time schedule for announcing and logging changes to all user-accessible systems (specifically including allocated HPC systems), networks, important application software, and system support software across all HPCMP centers. Advance notice for announcements of changes to systems accessible to, or that otherwise impact, users are summarized in the table below.
| Category | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Any upgrade/change to HPC systems that may affect multiple software packages. | 30 days |
| Minor | Any upgrade/change to HPC systems or center's infrastructure that may hinder the effective use of resources at the center. | 15 days |
| Software Removal | Any change must include cases when the centers are determining which versions of software are candidates for removal from the system. | 30 days |
| Emergency/Security | Any upgrade/change requiring immediate action. | As early as possible |
This policy requires that change announcements provide a summary of the change, impact on users, and other dependencies, such as need to recompile or change scripts or library paths. When possible, a reference to a source of additional information such as a vendor-provided change notice, errata, or other user-oriented documentation should be provided. If the additional information is not directly accessible to users, the information must be provided to the HPC Help Desk, and the announcement shall direct users to the HPC Help Desk for additional information.
All centers are required to use the HPC Help Desk News and Maintenance Tool (NAMT) to submit their announcements. Historical changes, up to one year, can be accessed by the HPC Help Desk in the NAMT archive, and by users on the System News pages on most DSRC websites. Additionally all centers are require to provide an email announcement to users of the system. The email can should be identical to the NAMT posting or point to the NAMT posting for additional information.
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| 21 Oct 2021 | BC Team Audit - Added the requirement for email notice |
| 17 May 2018 | BC Team Audit - Changed "participating … centers" to "all … centers," and other changes to improve policy readability |
| 02 Jun 2016 | BC Team Audit - Changed CCAC to HPC Helpdesk and standardized terminology |
| 02 Apr 2015 | Added the new category "Software Removal" and replaced "floor version" by "production version" |
| 03 Apr 2014 | BC Team Audit - Referenced Incident Reporting Tool (IRT) and added guidance on content of announcements |
| 23 Sep 2013 | Removed reference to the HPC Help Desk web site |
| 23 Mar 2012 | BC Team Audit |
| 05 Nov 2009 | Logging Changes added to Announcing Changes |