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CloudWorkstation 0.1.0-alpha Release Notes

We're excited to announce the first alpha release of CloudWorkstation, a command-line tool that allows academic researchers to launch pre-configured cloud workstations in seconds.

Overview

CloudWorkstation 0.1.0-alpha is our first public release. It features a distributed architecture with a REST API backend daemon and a lightweight CLI client, implementing our core design principles:

  1. Default to Success: Every template works out of the box
  2. Optimize by Default: Automatic selection of instance types
  3. Transparent Fallbacks: Clear communication when ideal configurations aren't available
  4. Helpful Warnings: Guidance for suboptimal choices
  5. Zero Surprises: Clear previews and cost estimates
  6. Progressive Disclosure: Simple by default, detailed when needed

Key Features

Core Functionality

  • Template-based Provisioning: Launch environments with a single command
  • Instance Management: Launch, list, connect, stop, start, and delete instances
  • Storage Management: Create and manage EFS/EBS volumes
  • Cost Awareness: Clear cost estimates for all resources

Research Templates

  • python-research: Python with scientific and ML libraries
  • neuroimaging: FSL, AFNI, ANTs and MRtrix
  • bioinformatics: BWA, GATK, Samtools and R Bioconductor
  • gis-research: QGIS, GRASS, PostGIS and geospatial libraries
  • desktop-research: Ubuntu Desktop with NICE DCV

Architecture

  • Distributed System: REST API daemon + CLI client
  • State Management: Local JSON state persistence
  • AWS Integration: Direct AWS SDK integration
  • Cross-Platform: macOS, Linux, Windows support

Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/username/cloudworkstation.git

# Build the binaries
cd cloudworkstation
make build

# Copy binaries to path
cp bin/cws bin/cwsd /usr/local/bin/

Basic Usage

# Start the daemon
cws daemon start

# List available templates
cws templates

# Launch a new workstation
cws launch python-research my-project

# List running instances
cws list

# Get connection information
cws connect my-project

# Stop an instance
cws stop my-project

# Delete an instance
cws delete my-project

What's Next

This alpha release establishes our core architecture and functionality. In our upcoming releases, we plan to add:

  • Terminal User Interface (TUI): Interactive terminal interface (v0.2.0)
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI): System tray and desktop application
  • Template Registry: Online repository for sharing research environments
  • Collaboration Features: Shared workspaces and resource management
  • Advanced Cost Controls: Budget management and optimization

Feedback and Contributions

We welcome feedback and contributions! Please file issues and pull requests on our GitHub repository.