Gridevolution
the project is based on the spread of Grid computing and consists of creating a distributed infrastructure that uses calculation and storage resources from an indistinct number of calculators interconnected on a network.
Grid can provide users of a scalable group, without specific geographic characterisation, the ability to calculate and memorize a distributed system. Grid ensures coordinated and controlled access to shared resources by offering the user the visibility of a unique logical calculation system to use in its jobs. The necessary resources are supplied by various bodies to create a virtual organization with a better infrastructure than the individual entities would be able to sustain.
The project aims to provide a unified point of access through which market operators and those interested in HPC technology can test the computing power of the system, thanks to a simple and intuitive web interface. Users will be able to process tasks through the use of a wide array of vertical applications provided by partners, in a secure and simple-to-manage context.
Microsoft, Intel and HP not only sponsor the initiative, they also provide use of the next-generation hardware platform Windows Computer Cluster Server 2003 for managing the clusters on an operating level. This platform is based on HP BL460c blade servers, a market pacesetter in terms of price/performance, optimization of energy use and space reduction. Servers are integrated with high performing Intel dual-core processors.
NICE (www.nice-italy.com) is making available and implementing the heart of the portal, thanks to installation of EnginFrame™, software for creating and managing Grid Portals based on standards such as Java, XML, HTML, XSL, HTTP. This technology has already been used and consolidated for more than ten years in high computational, distributed calculation environments.
Exemplar is contributing to the project by integrating the components and optimizing the performance of the entire system. It can achieve this through the experience acquired and its deep understanding of intensive calculation solutions.
“We are proud to be an active part of this project, which aims to disseminate High Performance Computing technology,” states Manuel Maina, Product Marketing Manager of Microsoft Italia. “Grid computing is considered the next revolution in IT because it coordinates the use of numerous distributed IT resources such as storage, servers, and databases, as if they were a single resource available to business processes.”
“Intel is very careful with high performance computing projects, a growing market segment that is increasingly involving academic and research environments and businesses. Intel Italia’s decision to support this project is part of the company strategy to invest in research and development and related initiatives,” commented Andrea Toigo, Technology Specialist at Intel Corporation Italia. “But also responds to Intel’s intention to introduce the market to platforms that allow businesses to gain maximum advantage from IT investments and use technological innovation as a competitive advantage.”
"For HP, High Performance Computing projects are a strategic opportunity to providing consulting services and innovative and high value-added solutions,” remarked Sergio Poletti, HPC Business Manager of Hewlett-Packard Italia. “Furthemore, HP’s interest in these initiatives is also the result of its natural inclination towards research and development, demonstrated by the four billion dollars invested annually, the strong innovative component of its products and the 17,000 patents registered.”
NICE s.r.l. was the first company in the world to develop Grid Portal technology, EnginFrame, that it used to successfully execute several Grid Computing projects and infrastructure in high computational power distributed calculation environments. The solutions are based on software of proven reliability and scalability to rationalize the calculation resources available. “We are delighted to announce with Microsoft the introduction of this new technology on Microsoft Windows Computer Cluster Server 2003. The combination of our solutions will also make the benefits of HPC more accessible,” stated Beppe Ugolotti, C.E.O. of NICE s.r.l. “It will be well received in Italy, where Microsoft already has a strong presence.”
“For Exemplar, GridEvolution is the natural environment to take advantage of the skills accrued in HPTC and in solving simulation problems,” declared Valerio Giorgis, Account Manager of Exemplar S.r.l. “At the same time, it allows Exemplar to propose solutions, methodologies and innovative processes immediately available for testing and use, an essential condition to effectively anticipate the future needs of our most demanding users.”
