Linux clusters will be favored

Cluster systems are the best choice for companies and research institutions with intensive computing needs, such as medicine, life sciences, genetic resolution, weather analysis, and geological exploration, the Linux-based cluster technology is favored by users for its high cost effectiveness, for example, LC1300 of Linux cluster technology launched by IBM has been applied to enterprises such as Liaohe oilfield, Xinjiang Oilfield, and Qinghai Oilfield. Not long ago, IBM launched the LC 1300 Cluster system upgrade product Linux Cluster 1350 (LC1350 ).

The cluster system can be divided into four parts: computing unit or node), management unit or management node, cluster management software and network.

The maximum configuration of LC1350 can be 1 Management node and 256 storage/computing nodes. The management node uses the latest product x345 of series x, the storage and computing nodes can be undertaken by x335 or BladeCenter released by IBM. LC1350 runs the RedHat Linux operating System and uses the latest IBM CSMCluster System Management for Linux) and Director to achieve intelligent Linux cluster management. The Network Department uses a dedicated high-speed switching device.

Wu lei, general manager of x Series servers in the IBM Enterprise System Department, pointed out that the maximum differences between LC1350 and LC1300 are as follows. First, the processor of the LC1350 computing node and Management node is upgraded from the original piii to the Xeon processor. Second, the IBM eServer x335 uses a cable with a chrysanthemum link structure. In the past, Server clusters were generally good-looking, but the cables on the back were messy, however, x335 only needs a chrysanthemum cable, a very short line that is the same as that of the finger, and a 5 cm length, so that all the signal lines can be integrated. This not only facilitates machine maintenance, maintenance, and cleaning, but also saves investment. If a cluster system has 128 nodes, this cable can save nearly 40 thousand yuan in investment. Third, the cluster emphasizes Software enhancement. LC1350 uses the latest CSM cluster management system and ctor to implement intelligent Linux cluster management. Wu Lei believes that the real cluster is not only integrated in hardware, but also in parallel processing of customer applications. For example, if one of the 128 nodes in the LC1350 cluster system fails, the management node can immediately jump over the fault and hand over the node task to another node. In addition, for cluster system users, the most important thing is to combine the customer's applications and management systems. What IBM provides to users is not just a system, in addition, the combination of users' specific needs with the system helps users solve their problems.

At present, IBM has two product lines in the Cluster Computing field. One is the 1600 series based on the UNIX platform, and the deep blue is a well-known representative, currently, the weather forecasting network in North America and Europe and the Central Meteorological Observatory use SP2, Which is deep blue, 1600 of large, complex applications that require extremely high security and reliability are the best; at present, LC1350 is a cluster system fully based on the IA architecture and Linux environment, and has transplanted many technologies in the deep blue system. Wu Lei believes that for fields with intensive computing needs, such as medicine, polymer chips, construction, universities, Population Statistics, telecommunications, life sciences, geological exploration, etc, you can select the 1600 series or LC1350 cluster system as needed.