July 2015 Summaries

Incorporating database views into the Django ORM can be a beneficial strategy for querying aggregated data, as it allows data aggregation logic to be managed on the database level while retaining ORM functionality. The blog post illustrates this with an example using Django models tied to database tables for jobs, users, and charges, and then creates a database view that aggregates hardware and software charges by user, job, and month. A corresponding Django model, ChargeSummary, is mapped to this view, enabling the use of ORM queries without the ability to perform data manipulation operations like save or delete, due to the nature of views. Special considerations include specifying `on_delete=models.DO_NOTHING` for foreign keys and setting `managed=False` in the model's meta class to prevent auto migrations. The author also addresses potential migration issues when upgrading to Django 1.7 or later, offering a workaround by incorporating the view creation SQL into the initial migration file to ensure seamless deployment.

Rescale has introduced SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) support for ScaleX Enterprise users, enabling streamlined authentication through Azure Active Directory as the Identity Provider (IdP) while Rescale acts as the Service Provider (SP). This comprehensive guide outlines the setup process, beginning with the creation of a test Azure Active Directory, followed by configuring Rescale to access this IdP, and finally authorizing the IdP within your ScaleX Enterprise account. SAML functions as a web authentication protocol with the IdP managing user credentials and the SP providing application access, ensuring secure user login without exchanging secret key information. The guide details specific steps for setting up directories, adding users, configuring application properties, and setting up endpoints, along with options for IdP and SP initiated logins. Additionally, the tutorial addresses user management within Rescale, offering the choice between automatic account creation for authenticated users or an invite-only approach, ensuring a secure and controllable SSO experience.

Rescale announced a three-part webinar series aimed at CIOs and IT professionals to facilitate the transition to cloud High-Performance Computing (HPC) for engineering and science simulations, with sessions scheduled on consecutive Wednesdays from July 29 to August 12, 2015. The series addresses the growing need for responsive IT environments to manage increasing demands for simulation, focusing on transforming legacy IT infrastructure into scalable, secure, and high-performing systems. The webinars will explore topics such as creating an enterprise roadmap to elastic computing, integrating on-premise and cloud HPC, and establishing enterprise clouds with full IT control and security. Rescale's ScaleX Enterprise platform will be highlighted as a solution to unify cloud and on-premise resources, enhancing innovation and competitiveness in product development. The initiative invites CIOs, IT professionals, simulation engineers, and engineering managers to participate in this educational series.