Cluster Resources Develops Full HPC-Stack Deployment Solution Based on Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.

Delivers Mainstream-Ready Simplicity with Out-of-the-Box Cluster Deployment for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 and Moab Cluster Suite([R])

DRESDEN, Germany -- Cluster Resources, Inc.([R]) today announced they have developed an integrated High Performance Computing (HPC) Deployment Solution for SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 from Novell. This enterprise-class, fully supported HPC package deploys and configures a complete cluster environment quickly and easily. The solution is now in closed beta, moving soon to open beta.

"As an industry leading vendor of HPC solutions, we are pleased that Cluster Resources has chosen to base their solution on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10," said Justin Steinman, director of marketing for Linux and Open Platform Solutions at Novell. "By using the deployment framework within SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10, Cluster Resources will deliver integrated installation and deployment for HPC clusters that will set a new benchmark in the industry for simplicity and effectiveness."

Virtually every industry is adopting Linux clusters to attain the performance improvements needed to deliver on organizational goals. These clusters are complex, involving a large set of interdependent software elements that have to be precisely configured and seamlessly integrated across a growing number of compute nodes to ensure top performance levels, stability and reliability. The new solution, code named "Escalante" during its beta phase, solves this complexity issue by making cluster deployment as easy as deploying a web server.

Escalante leverages SUSE Linux Enterprise Server's pattern deployment capability to apply the needed software to the cluster's central management node (a.k.a. head node), then upon restart a Moab cluster deployment wizard queries the user about the number of compute nodes in the cluster, how many nodes there will be per rack and the IP address. While additional configuration and flexibility is available in an advanced section, the above questions are all that are needed by Escalante for a default cluster deployment. At this point, the wizard automates the software configuration and all that remains is for the installer to power on the compute nodes in a logical order.

The resulting cluster is able to receive submitted batch workload immediately, whether serial or parallel, interactive or scheduled. This vastly simplified solution is intended to enable High Performance Computing clusters to be brought into the mainstream. Solution providers will now be able to assign even novice engineers to cluster software deployment, save time and be more competitive as they reduce costs to their customers.

From a usability perspective, this product also provides the technologies that make it mainstream-ready. Escalante incorporates Moab Cluster Suite([R]), which includes an easy-to-use Web-based job submission portal, a graphical Windows-like administration interface and professional reporting capabilities. The professional reporting provides managers with the capacity planning charts as well as resource usage and sharing reports that keep them on top of what is really happening with their investment and what service levels are being provided to their users, projects and associated groups.

Moab Cluster Suite, while simple to use, has many advanced features that have resulted in it being selected by many of the largest Top500 HPC sites in the world. From a workload management perspective, combining this ease of use and advanced feature set with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 provides a commercially supported and maintained HPC solution that will help drive HPC to the mainstream.

"Working with Novell on this solution allows us to provide a commercially supported, complete High Performance Computing Cluster solution that leverages the strengths of Moab Cluster Suite and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 and the experience of two market leaders," said Michael Jackson, President of Cluster Resources, Inc. "This tool reduces the work required to get started with HPC as well as the day-to-day requirements of cluster administrators and end users. With the click of a few buttons, an entire cluster is installed, configured and ready for job submission; and all of this is accomplished with minimal knowledge needed and very little time expended. Our interns, accountant and receptionist have all been able to successfully deploy a cluster with just a DVD and 1-page installation guide. We look forward to working with our partners to help expand the applicability of HPC to the mainstream of their customer base, aid customers to more easily gain the benefits of HPC and broaden the usability of HPC to meet the ease-of-use requirements of even their most novice users."

Call for Beta Sites 

Any solution providers, partner organizations or evaluating sites interested in participating in the beta are encouraged to call Cluster Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail].

About Cluster Resources

Cluster Resources, Inc.([R]) is a leading provider of workload and resource management software and services for cluster, grid and utility-based computing environments. With over a decade of industry experience, Cluster Resources delivers software products and services that enable organizations to understand, control, and fully optimize their compute resources and related processes.

For more information call [phone] (for Europe, Middle East and Africa) or [phone] (for the Americas and Asia Pacific), or email [e-mail].

Moab Cluster Suite[R], Moab Workload Manager[R], Moab Cluster Manager[R] and Moab Access Portal[R] are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cluster Resources, Inc. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Statements concerning Cluster Resources' future development plans and schedules are made for planning purposes only, and are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.