The importance of Linux in the world of supercomputers is difficult to
understate. Linux is the installed operating system on 72 percent of the supercomputers listed in the latest Top 500 (www.top500.org) tally of the world’s fastest
supercomputers.
Linux Networx, a manufacturer of (surprise surprise) Linux supercomputers
is capitalizing on the trend with record sales growth and the release of two new Linux Supersystems. On the November Top 500 list Linux networks
comes in at sixth place with a 3.2 percent share of the list, IBM holds top spot
at 43.8 percent.
The new Linux Networx LS-1 is targeted at midrange users and is aimed at
making supercomputing more manageable and affordable. The LS-1 is delivered
to customers as an application optimized system for a number of different
third party applications including interactive 3D virtualization, flow
simulation crash analysis and computational fluid dynamics.
The LS/X is the new high end system that Linux Networx claims can
provide, “sustained application performance for configurations up to 100
Teraflops.” An integrated switch infrastructure improved airflow and
serviceability thanks to a 60 percent reduction in cabling.
Though the supercomputing market is becoming increasingly competitive
Brad Rutledge vp marketing communications at Linux Networx notes that his
company is doing a lot to differentiate itself.
“Firstly, we’re focused on Linux supercomputing – we’re The Linux
Supercomputing Company – it is our only business. Many vendors dabble in
supercomputing, calling it a vertical market,” Rutledge told
internetnews.com. “We think to adequately address the unique needs of
supercomputing users, a special focus, understanding and even skill set is
required. Users are frustrated with vendors that try to make standard
enterprise technologies work in supercomputing environments.”
That’s where the LS Series comes in, according to Rutledge, addressing
the needs of users who want legacy supercomputing performance, blended with
the value of Linux clusters, and a system experience
Rutledge also cited Linux Networx sales performance noting that they just
completed record revenue quarters back-to-back; and have experienced a 50
percent compounded growth for the past five years.
Standardization and a systems approach allows Linux Networx to offer a
lower procurement price than traditional cluster pricing according to
Rutlegde.
An entry-level LS-1 Supersystem (with 16 CPUs) is available for less
than $40,000. A 64-processor system starts at less than $130,000. A fully
configured LS/X system with 96 CPUs and (1 GB per CPU) starts at under
$225,000.