Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 on SGI Altix XE Cluster Systems

  Today, SGI announced it plans to offer Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 on SGI Altix XE Cluster Systems based on quad-core and dual-core Intel Xeon processors.

  Windows Compute Cluster "2003", which became generally available last year, is Microsoft's first High Performance Computing product.

  "Customers are dealing with the complexity of working with different operating systems throughout their workflow. SGI now provides solutions that bridge that interoperability gap," said Dennis McKenna, CEO of SGI. "The Windows platform, which is core to many of these workflows, combined with our HPC expertise further expands our reach into these markets. By adding SGI Altix XE solutions with Intel Xeon and Windows Compute Cluster Server to our existing portfolio, our aim is to provide solutions that are transparent across mixed workflows and make HPC accessible to a much broader market at a lower cost of ownership."

  The OEM agreement supports SGI's growth strategy in the enterprise, specifically targeting media data management; industrial design such as automotive and aerospace; healthcare; and government and academic markets where customers are often faced with mixed workflow infrastructures.

  Microsoft says that Windows Compute Cluster Server is designed to be a reliable HPC platform that makes HPC clusters easier to deploy, manage and integrate with existing infrastructure.

  "We are pleased to be working with SGI, an innovator of solutions for customers running high-performance computing systems across many industries," said Kyril Faenov, general manager of High Performance Computing at Microsoft Corp. "Windows Compute Cluster Server and Microsoft's tools and application ecosystem can help customers be more productive and accelerate the pace of discovery and insights. Together, Microsoft and SGI aim to help researchers and scientists gain ready access to supercomputing power from their desks."
  SGI Altix XE cluster systems with Windows Compute Cluster Server will be available beginning in March 2007, priced starting at under $3,500 U.S. List per node.

Source : SGI