Sandy, UT — Alta Technology has introduced a family of scalable
high performance clustered computer systems. Targeted for use in
complex data processing and analysis applications, the AltaCluster
combines standard PCI technology with the popular Linux operating
system to provide supercomputer performance at a lower cost of
ownership.
Providing eight compute nodes (8 or 16 processors) in a single
chassis, AltaCluster systems are stackable and scalable to 1000 or
more processors. With each chassis measuring approximately 30″ x
25″ x 25″, the AltaCluster packs a lot of compute power into a
relatively small package.
AltaClusters are fully integrated with the Linux operating
system-which implements Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) and Message
Passing Interface (MPI) technology-facilitating the creation of a
scalable, high performance architecture capable of very efficient
parallel processing. Parallel processing refers to the concept of
speeding-up the execution of a program by dividing the program into
multiple fragments that can execute simultaneously, each on its own
processor. High level parallel languages-like High Performance
Fortran (HPF)-are used to program many parallel compute
applications.
According to Alta Technology President, Glen Lowry, “AltaCluster
systems provide a quantum leap in the computing power that can be
brought to bear on many important real world problems. Applications
such as scientific computing, simulation, research, geometric
modeling, numerical analysis, or virtually any application
requiring large capacity computing resources can benefit from
AltaCluster technology.”
AltaCluster systems implement both 64-bit Alpha and 32-bit
Pentium II processor technology. The Alpha-from Digital Equipment
Corporation (now Compaq)-is currently available in AltaCluster
systems with clock speeds of up to 600 MHz. Running at up to 450
MHz, Pentium II processors are available with both single and dual
processor motherboard versions.
Each AltaCluster compute node comes complete with up to 512 MB
of synchronous DRAM, a 6.4 GB UltraDMA EIDE hard disk drive, and
10/100 Ethernet connectivity. A unique feature of the AltaCluster
is the AltaCluster Environment (ACE), which helps maximize system
eliability and minimize downtime. ACE provides features such as
power sequencing, temperature monitoring of individual processors,
and remote reset of nodes. The AltaCluster System is available now.
Pricing starts at about $15,000.
For more information visit http://www.altatech.com/services/altacluster.html.