Cool announcement on hpc from IBM - yes that is a microsoftee saying that ;-)
Summary:
- IBM taking the Windows CCS and Microsoft clustering message way more seriously
- IBM getting the long tail of Clustering and placing much more emphasis in modular clusters - prebuilt for MidMarket customers
Why is this cool:
- Validates the strategy that I and the HPC team have been banging on about for ages
- Demonstrates that the challenge of the disruptive business model of scale clustering will take on and even big companies are jumping onboard
- This will drive other lead OEMs to come on board and will act as a validation of the super innovative smaller OEMs out there who have been doing the same thing for a while :)
- Finally, smaller companies can enjoy the benefits of clustering at the right price that large companies have been enjoying for years!
What is it:
Last week IBM issued a news release in which Windows CCS played a prominent role. IBM announced:
New initiatives designed to make it easier for clients to use "clusters" of servers for high-performance computing tasks. The company is investing in development, marketing and sales-channel programs that leverage IBM's technology prowess in high-end supercomputing and deep experience delivering industry-focused solutions.
Four key components of IBM's expanded HPC cluster initiatives include:
1) Pre-architected, snap-together solutions for key industries.
2) HPC ValueNet for IBM Business Partners.
3) New benchmarking and tuning centers dedicated to Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server.
4) On-Demand Test-Drive Facility
Who picked up on it in the press:
IDG: IBM aims to make computing clusters easier
Big Blue launches initiatives to help SMBs integrate servers into clusters for high-performance computing tasks
By John Blau, February 28, 2007
https://www.infoworld.com/article/07/02/28/HNibmcomputingclusters_1.htmleWeek: IBM Pushing Clusters for Midmarket Businesses
By Scott Ferguson, February 28, 2007
https://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2098952,00.aspInformationWeek: IBM Launches High-Performance Computing Initiative
IBM works with Microsoft and other application vendors to expand the use of its hardware in computer clusters and mainframes.
By Antone Gonsalves, February 27, 2007
https://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=197009246&subSection=Breaking+NewsElectronic News: IBM debuts supercomputing initiative
By Colleen Taylor, February 28, 2007
https://www.edn.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6420203&partner=eb&spacedesc=newsHPCWire: IBM Targets Mid-Market for HPC Clusters
February 28, 2007
https://www.hpcwire.com/hpc/1292154.html
Enjoy!