Multiple versions of SAS Grid in same server

[Prakash_Cog]

Hi There -

We are installing SAS Grid 9.4 M5 in Linux environment, with Platform suite 10.1, where older verion of SAS Grid 9.4 M2 already exists.

During our discussion with our customer, they inisted to have 2 version in the same server.

We wanted to know where this is really feasible? if yes, what are the key points that we need to consider. Any documentation or artefacts associated w.r.t to above will help for our reference.

Thanks,

Prakash. V

[AnandVyas]

Hi @Prakash_Cog 

It should be feasible to configure using different set of ports and configuration for the second installation. Is there a reason they want to do this or just that they want to keep two versions of the software?

Don't think you will be able to get any documentation related to two LSF installations as the process would be still the same.

[jklaverstijn · Accepted solution]

As advised by @AnandVyas it should be technically possible. Figuring out the port numbers however would be a big hassle. Also, what components of the grid topoloy do they insist upon to co-exist? As, by nature of a grid deployment, you have multiple hosts with different roles this is important to know. It could mean they could want to have two versions of SAS to coexist as well. The port number dilemma would deepen and soon become insurmountable.

After the configuration you must make sure it works well. The grid manager is an advanced workload manager that works better when it has full command over the resources that grid nodes offer. If it has to compete with another grid manager its decisons will likely be ill-informed and there is no way to have grid managers cooperate. Careful tuning of both old and new grid managers (queue parameters, job slots, ...) is in order. In any way it will be a lot of work that must be taken into account before your customer makes the decision.

So, bottom line is: Can it be done? With great difficulty. Will it work well? Probably not. Good idea? Hell no.

Hope this helps,

-- Jan

[Prakash_Cog]

Many thanks Jan for your quick response. We had a discussion with customer and explained the complexity and difficulty in handing multiple Grid Version at the same server. Thanks.

[doug_sas]

Having two versions of SAS on the same grid has been done many places. Usually the deployments use a different LevX directory in the configuration so that ports are different.

Having two versions of Platform Suite for SAS on the same hosts should not be done because you would have two resource managers trying to manage the same resources. Neither resource manager would know the true state of the grid. The newer version of SAS can use the older version of LSF. You may need to talk to tech support about the older Process Manager being able to be used by the newer SAS Management Console.

[SASKiwi]

What is  the business need for keeping two versions? Is it worth the extra configuration, support and maintenance overheads involved?

Please note that your SAS applications would not be able to use any new SAS 9.4M5 features if they are to remain compatible with 9.4M2.

[Prakash_Cog]

Many thanks SASKiwi. We did explain the difficulty and complexity in having multiple versions. + the operational challenges + cost. Post their internal discussion, we will come to know in detail.
Thanks again.