Linux Clusters Gain Popularity

IBM Korea has announced that it had recently signed an agreement with Seoul National University (SNU) to set up Linux-based cluster supercomputing system at the university. 

This SNU project is another success story for IBM's Linux cluster systems, after the earlier installations at KIST and KISTI where IBM introduced the same Linux-based cluster supercomputing systems.  In addition, this trend also represents a Linux boom in the academic and research circles. 

SNU has driven this project as part of its plan to become one of the top 10 universities in the world. This project is intended to provide the high performance computing platform needed to support the expansion of its research capabilities and sharpening its competitiveness in the academic research area.

IBM Korea deployed a Linux-based 425-node IBM eServer BladeCenter JS20 as the supercomputing platform and a FAStT700 for data storage. The entire system will have a maximum capability of 5 teraflops calculations per second. 

SNU hopes that the new supercomputer will help strengthen its foundation for research work in the high tech areas and through this advanced IT infrastructure, it will sharpen position as a leading institution for higher education and research in the world. 

Dong-Taek Kim, Manager of Central IT department at SNU said, "The supercomputer will enable us to map out the IT path of the University.  In terms of computing resources, we will be able to maintain our position as a top University in Asia and extend our status in the world.  We are happy that our research and development infrastructure is expanded so successfully using this Linux-based cluster system." 

Industry analysts forecast that Linux clusters will explode in demand as more and more major projects testify to its reliability.  In particular, its scope of utility which has been limited to research purposes is likely to spread rapidly into commercial areas.