Backfill scheduling of applications based on data of the applications

#This invention relates, in general, to the backfill scheduling of applications, and in particular, to a backfill scheduling capability that takes into consideration data of the applications in backfill scheduling the applications.

#Scheduling techniques are used to schedule applications in a computing environment such that the resources of the environment are efficiently utilized. One type of scheduling technique is a backfill scheduling technique, which allows applications to run out of order as long as they do not affect the start time of an application already scheduled to execute. In particular, backfill scheduling techniques determine when a free set of processors will be available at a future time and schedule applications to be executed at that time.

#Backfill scheduling techniques have progressed over the years to become more efficient. However, further enhancements are still desired. For example, a need exists for a backfill scheduling capability that considers the data of the applications in scheduling those applications.

#The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a computing environment to incorporate and use one or more aspects of the present invention; and

#FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of the logic associated with backfill scheduling of applications, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

#In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a backfill scheduling capability is provided that takes into consideration data of applications in scheduling those applications for execution. For example, a determination is made as to which computing unit of a plurality of computing units an application is to be scheduled to execute, and that determining is based, at least in part, on data of the application.

#One embodiment of a computing environment to incorporate and use one or more aspects of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 1. In one example, computing environment 100 is a grid computing environment including, for instance, a source computing unit 102 and one or more destination computing units 104. The source computing unit is referred to herein as a local unit, while one or more of the destination computing units are referred to as remote units. A computing unit (102 and/or 104) includes one or more nodes capable of processing applications. In a computing unit having a plurality of nodes, the nodes are coupled to one another via, for instance, a LAN or other type of connection. A node is, for instance, a LINUX workstation; a p-series machine, such as a p Series 690, offered by International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; or a general parallel machine. Various other types of nodes can also be employed, and therefore, those described herein are just examples. A computing unit may include homogeneous or heterogeneous nodes, and similarly, each unit may be the same or different from one another. The computing units are coupled to one another via, for instance, a high-speed link 106, such as the internet. Other types of links, switches or other connections may also be used.

#To efficiently utilize the resources of the computing environment, scheduling techniques are used to schedule execution of applications of the environment. One type of scheduling technique is a backfill scheduling technique that determines when resources will be available at a later time for use by waiting applications. One example of a backfill scheduling technique is described in “The EASY-LoadLeveler API Project”, Job Scheduling Strategies for Parallel Processing, edited by Dror G. Feitelson and Larry Rudolph, pp. 41-47, Springer-Verlag, 1996, Lecture Notes on Computer Science Vol. 1162, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.