The goal of Gateway is to provide a high level user interface that simplifies access to various computing resources maintained by computing centers with varying access and security policies. The Gateway design consists of three tiers, with the aforementioned browser interface serving as the first tier. These services can be implemented directly by the middle tier software, or else the middle tier can act as a proxy for accessing backend services. Back end services can be queuing systems for high performance computers, databases, mass storage systems, or metacomputing services such as Globus. The WebFlow middle tier software is extensible and can be extended by module developers.
Users create job scripts via form interfaces.
Job scripts for the appropriate queuing system are generated automatically. Users can upload and download multiple files, submit jobs, and monitor execution via graphical interfaces. Administrators have access to an installation wizard that allows them to manage and verify information about the applications that they wish to make available to users. Gateway is a system-centric portal, providing tools that simplify running codes in different environments and on different HPC platforms. It is designed to work with applications for which the source code is not available.