University Of
Colorado To Use SiCortex Cluster For Space Studies
(18 March 2008) SiCortex, the emerging
leader in compact, low power multicore Linux systems, announced today that the
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of
Colorado has purchased and installed a SiCortex SC648 half-teraflop system as
an integral part of its research into solar influences, planetary physics,
atmospheric science and space physics.
The systems will be
utilised by the Data Systems group within LASP, which handles the algorithm
development, data management and data system expertise to ensure that LASP's
research scientists deliver the highest quality scientific data products and
results. Their data acquisition operations for real-time satellite and
spacecraft implementation require their systems to be highly
reliable.
LASP, among the world's leading space science institutes, has
active programs in planetary, solar and space physics. It has sent instruments
to every planet in the solar system and has developed suites of instruments to
observe the Earth's atmosphere and the Sun. The SiCortex SC648 will be used
primarily to support theoretical modelling of solar and planetary dynamical
processes.
"The work we do is computationally-intensive, so high
performance computing resources are always at a premium," said Mark Rast, an
LASP solar physicist and one of the primary users of the SiCortex system. "The
SC648 will enable us to have a dedicated, high performance Linux system within
our group, with the added benefit of significant power savings."
The
SC648, part of the SiCortex family of Linux multicore systems, provides well
over a half-teraflop of peak performance and plugs into a standard 110v outlet.
The system's small footprint and exceptional power efficiency will enable LASP
researchers to place it directly in a lab, as opposed to a data centre with
much more restrictive access.
"LASP evaluated our system very
rigorously, and determined that our performance, low power requirements and
ease of installation provided the best alternative for their needs," said
SiCortex CEO Dr. John Mucci. "This was a very gratifying win, and further
supports our view that the higher education market is a huge area of
opportunity for us."
About SiCortex
SiCortex, the emerging leader
in compact, low power multicore Linux systems, is dedicated to the
proliferation of open teraflop computing to a wide variety of users by
providing "Teraflops from Milliwatts." Founded in 2003 by a respected team of
computer industry executives, the company is backed by a number of top tier
investors, including Chevron Technology Ventures, Flagship Ventures, JK&B
Capital, Polaris Venture Partners and Prism VentureWorks.
About the
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
The Laboratory for
Atmospheric and Space Physics, a research institution at the University of
Colorado at Boulder, is a full-cycle space science institution, addressing key
questions in planetary, atmospheric, solar influences, and space plasma
physics.
The ability of LASP to combine world-class experimental,
laboratory, theoretical and information systems approaches, and involve
students in all aspects of these endeavours, is a key strength of LASP. These
unique abilities put the Laboratory into the top tier of University space
research groups in the country and the world. The combination of qualities
allows LASP to contribute in unique ways to the University academic environment
and teaching mission.
(source: SiCortex)
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