Dutch ASCI school installs distributed cluster computerAmsterdam 02 August 2001 Universities participating in the Dutch Grid include the Delft University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University and Utrecht University , grouped into the ASCI Research School (Advanced School for Computing and Imaging). Since 1997 ASCI has used a cluster concept based on Pentium Pro systems called DAS (Distributed ASCI Supercomputer). The new project (DAS-2) is partially supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).
IBM will build a powerful Grid computing system for five leading universities in The Netherlands. The system will enable researchers to collaborate more effectively on scientific projects ranging from bioinformatics to particle physics.
The Grid will consist of five Linux cluster systems -- one at each university -- interconnected through the Dutch university high-bandwidth network SURFnet. IBM Global Services will install the system this summer.
When complete, it will contain a total of 200 two-way IBM eServer x330 servers running Red Hat Linux and Myricom's Myrinet cluster interconnect network. The Grid will be dedicated to research programs in the field of large-scale distributed systems. Future applications will include high performance visualisation through a videowall for student education and for medical and scientific simulations.
This cluster project again demonstrates large Linux clusters based upon IBM xSeries technology. IBM has recently executed similar cluster projects at the Shell International Exploration and Production site in Rijswijk, The Netherlands, at the US National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois and at WesternGeco, Houston, Texas.
Ad Emmen |
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