Cluster Computing:

IBM RE-DESIGNES ITS ESERVER CLUSTER

IBM has re-designed its eServer Cluster 1350, introduced last September, to accommodate 84 two-way blade servers (168 processors) per rack in the six- rack cabinet.

IBM has brought together Linux, blade technology, supercomputer cluster management and storage software to produce what it says is a low-cost supercomputing environment.

It has also introduced a Linux version of its cluster management software (CSM) - developed originally for its Deep Blue chess-playing supercomputer - with added autonomic computing techniques.

What this means for customers is the density of 1U servers has gone from 72 to 168 processors in the same floor space, with cabling reduced by 90 percent.

But IBM is yet to detail actual pricing for the mix, which will be available on 6 June.

A member of the European systems group at IDC, said it was a huge advantage that the system could manage everything together. However, no company is expected to throw away what they've got, so the low cost really applies to a forward-looking strategy.

The Cluster 1350 can comprise any combination of the Intel Xeon-based eServer x335 1U-high and x345 2U servers, or use the x345 or 2-4 processor x360, which contains disk bays. One x345 is used as a management node.