Boston University installs 96 Gflop/s IBM SP systemBoston 16 August 2000 Boston University will install a 96 Gflop/s RS/6000 SP that will double the institution's supercomputing capacity and will help researchers on a variety of projects in fields such as quantum physics, genome research as well as investigations into a cure for Alzheimer's.
Installed in Boston University's Center for Computational Science, the RS/6000 SP allows researchers to analyse the harmful build-up of particles - called senile plaques - in brains afflicted with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease is a progressively debilitating disorder of the central nervous system, causing loss of memory and eventually loss of all bodily control. The type of sophisticated Alzheimer's research conducted at the University would be impossible without the new supercomputer.
"The IBM SP lays the groundwork for a series of enhancements to our supercomputing capabilities over the next few years," said John Porter, Boston University CIO and vice president for Information Systems. "We are confident that Boston University will remain at the leading edge of advanced computing technology and continue to provide our users with one of the most versatile and advanced facilities available."
The new RS/6000 SP system uses performance-enhancing POWER3-II copper microprocessors, silicon switching technology and advanced software to provide the University with the unprecedented processing speed, scalability and reliability needed to tackle computational sciences. Microprocessors that use copper wire are faster than those containing traditional aluminum wire because copper is a better electrical conductor.
In 2002, the system will be upgraded with IBM's POWER4 microprocessors, which are expected to provide another dramatic increase in performance.
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