OpenOnDemand (for Viking)

OpenOnDemand (OOD) allows you to access Viking, our high-performance computing facility for research projects, through a simple web interface. OpenOnDemand provides accessible computing from anywhere, on any device, without requiring knowledge of the Linux command line.

If you are new to high-performance computing (HPC), OOD is the perfect tool to get you started, enabling you to run interactive sessions on Viking seamlessly.

Key features

Accessibility for all: Use Viking to run workloads without needing to know the Linux command line.
Device agnostic and no installation: Launch OOD from any device with a modern web browser; including mobile phones or tablets. Since OOD runs entirely in your browser, no client software installation is required.
Enhanced performance: Access a full remote desktop to Viking, giving you a more responsive interface for demanding graphical applications compared to traditional methods like X-forwarding.

Access instructions

How to access OpenOnDemand

You will need to register for a Viking account.
Log in with your York email address and password.
Duo two-factor authentication is required.
You will need a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Related tools

Available to staff and students

Authorised users can use this service on devices connected to the University network or VPN.

Web-based

This service works in your web browser.
Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.

Funded by the University

This service is free to use.

Access instructions

How to access OpenOnDemand

You will need to register for a Viking account.
Log in with your York email address and password.
Duo two-factor authentication is required.
You will need a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Related tools

Guides and help

How-to guides and set up

To get started, please consult our documentation:

Viking documentation: Our extensive internal documentation on using the Viking service.
OpenOnDemand (OOD) documentation: Specific guidance on using OpenOnDemand at the University of York.
External OOD guidance (opendemand.org): General documentation and tutorials available directly from the OpenOnDemand project team.

Contact for support

If you’re experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.

Service commitments

Your responsibilities and policies

Please read the Viking code of conduct before use.

Service performance

Availability

This is a live service, available 24/7.
Check the status of this service and any planned maintenance.

Support

This service is managed by IT Services.
We are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults.
Support is available during our opening hours.

Standards

Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.

Feedback and complaints

We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.

Page last reviewed: 29 September 2025