Microsoft has announced the release of Windows Compute
Cluster Server 2003, its first high-performance computing
technology offering.
The new product will allow users who need to carry out complex
and large-scale computations to run parallel, high-performance
computing (HPC) applications.
It is aimed at users in fields such as engineering, science and
research and offers integration with existing Windows
infrastructures, allowing users to run a variety of compatible HPC
applications.
Early adopters have used the product for oil and gas reservoir
simulation and seismic processing, simulations of enzyme catalysis
and vehicle design, Microsoft said.
Research from industry analyst IDC revealed that the
high-performance and technical computing market grew by about 24%
last year, generating $9.2bn revenues – the second consecutive year
of 20%-plus growth in this market.
But a survey of 100 IT leaders published last month by software
firm Morse found that business executives considered
high-performance computing to be complex, expensive and
insecure.
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 will be generally available
in August.