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DOI 10.5286/dltr.2007003
Persistent URL http://purl.org/net/epubs/work/40558
Record Status Checked
Record Id 40558
Title 2006 review of the UK HPC integration market
Contributors
Abstract In this, the 2nd revision of the ?UK HPC Integration Market?, we consider the multitude of issues faced by an organisation when deciding how best to procure, maintain and maximise the usage of a given HPC resource. In over-viewing the current HPC landscape, we concentrate on the potential role of HPC integrators in any partnership that looks to maximise this entire process, and whether such organisations based primarily in the UK have the ability to provide the necessary level of expertise required in all phases of the process, from procurement, through installation onto ongoing support of the resource throughout its life cycle. We consider how current HPC technology roadmaps might impinge on the role of integrators in responding to the undoubted challenges that lie ahead. Crucial issues when considering potential integrator involvement include both size of the hardware solution i.e., number of cores, number of nodes, and the ongoing robustness of open source software solutions that might be deployed on these platforms. Informed by developments over the past 12 months associated with the deployment of systems funded under SRIF, the Scientific Research Investment Fund, we provide an in-depth analysis of the current status and capability of a number of the leading HPC Integrators within the UK. Our primary attention is given to the four major companies who supply the academic community and hence are well known to us ? Streamline Computing, ClusterVision, OCF and Compusys. Six other integrators are also considered, albeit with less rigour. It should be emphasised that all the information in Section 3 is provided directly by the companies and do not necessarily reflect the views of STFC. With the exception of Cambridge On-line systems and Silicon Mechanics, the information in Section 4 has been obtained from the Cluster Integrator?s official websites. The document concludes with a 10-point summary of important considerations when procuring HPC clusters (mid-to-high-end compute clusters). If the reader has questions regarding issues raised in the document, or requires further feedback they are encouraged to contact us directly ? details are available on our website and in Appendix C.
Organisation CCLRC , CSE , CSE-DisCo
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Language English (EN)
Type Details URI(s) Local file(s) Year
Report DL Technical Reports DL-TR-2007-003. 2007. DLTR-2007-003.pdf 2007