ePubs

The open archive for STFC research publications

Full Record Details

Persistent URL http://purl.org/net/epubs/work/51582
Record Status Checked
Record Id 51582
Title The UK HPC integration market
Contributors
Abstract In overviewing the current HPC landscape, this paper considers the multitude of issues faced by a organisation when deciding how best to procure, maintain and maximise the usage of a given HPC resource. We concentrate on the potential role of HPC integrators in any partnership that looks to maximise the entire process, and whether such organisations 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 nodes, and the ongoing robustness of open source software solutions that might be deployed on these platforms. 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. Five 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 does not necessarily reflect the views of CCLRC. With the exception of Cambridge On-line systems, 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 computer clusters). If the reader has questions regarding issues raised in this 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
Keywords
Funding Information
Related Research Object(s):
Licence Information:
Language English (EN)
Type Details URI(s) Local file(s) Year
Report DL Technical Reports DL-TR-2005-004. 2005. DL-TR-2005-004.pdf 2005