Since Last SUG

1
Since Last SUG

• Current hardware activities and plans
• Current software activities and plans
• Future hardware directions
• A hardware surprise!

2
Hardware

• Test Itanium Systems
• Four two-way boxes -- cluster replacement
• In May, 160 processors with 2 GB per processor
• SV1 upgrade frame and memory
• Powering off the T3E

3
The Cascade Program

• Grants to researchers
• Hardware
• Software
• One year on-site maintenance coverage
• Proposal process to be developed
• Drafted guidelines provided to Greg Kilcup

4
Cluster Timeline Still on Track

• Delivery to OSC April-May 2001
• Systems to run in parallel May-July 2001
• Older cluster ready for cascading Aug 2001

5
Software Licensing

• KAI compiler and development suite
• Press event on Feb 1 with David Kuck
• David Kuck Seminar
• Beta testing WEB Mathematica

6
Vector Computing Path
2002
2000
2001
2003
T90
SV1 memory upgrade
SV1e
July 1, 2001
Jan 1, 2001
7
MPP Computing Path
2000
2001
Jan 1, 2001
Nov 1, 2001
Upgrades in early 2004
256P Intel Cluster IA-64
June 1, 2001
Oct 1, 2001
8
RFP

• Instead of investing in a single MPP
• Increase the cluster IA-64 size to 256 processors
• Acquire an Alpha Cluster with at least 128
  processors
• Continue to position OSC as a mid-tier center
• Match PSC and NCSA plans
• Miss SDSC with IBM SPdefer to next capital

9
RFP

• To be released this month
• Streamlined
• Decision in late Feb/March
• September November Installation
• Better timing than last year
• Vendors appear hungry (except Compaq)
• Identified desired processors
• Increase number of Itaniums to 256 processors
  (prefer four-way boxes)
• Install between 128- and 256-Alpha EV7s early
  delivery of some EV68s
• Identified Interconnect -- probably Myrinet
• Comes down to delivery, price and .

10
MSS Path
2002
2000
2001
DMF
11
Spreading the News

• KAI press event (Feb 1)
• SGI press release
• Cray press release
• Letter to department chairs
• HPC is developing a strategic plan document
• Defines services
• Directions for hardware, software, and services
  over next 3-5 years

12
Summary of directions
2000
2002
2001
2003
T90
?? SV2
SV1e
MSS-Upgrade
MSS tests SANs, etc.
Alpha Cluster
IA64 160P Intel Cluster
CCNUMA
13
Hardware Surprise

• SGI called with an end-of-year offer
• 26 SGI 1400L with 2 processors and 256 MB of
  memory
• Very attractive price
• What will we do with these systems?
• Provide a serial job queue for embarrassing
  serial jobs
• Increase the number of parallel jobs we can run
• Provide additional processor for the Cascade
  Program