Japan's Largest Grid Project Uses Linux Networx Cluster System

SAN JOSE, Calif., ClusterWorld Conference & Expo, April 7 -- Linux Networx announced today that Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has purchased and installed a 556-processor Evolocity(TM) II (E2) cluster system to join the AIST Supercluster. The Supercluster, an 11 trillion floating operations per second (tflops) cluster built by AIST, integrates with one other computing system to form Japan's largest distributed computing grid.

AIST is Japan's largest public research organization with the mission to research and develop industrial science and technology, geological surveys, measurement standards and technological applications for the private sector.

The Linux Networx cluster will reduce the burden of the AIST Supercluster by processing smaller jobs and providing common storage over the entire system. The cluster will be used for grid computing and other research areas including bioinformatics and nanotechnology. The E2 cluster was delivered to a newly established center of AIST, the Grid Technology Research Center (GTRC), and completed AIST'S acceptance testing on March 25.

Linux Networx is partnering with SGI Japan to provide a shared file system and 20 terabytes of storage that enables data sharing over multiple systems in the Supercluster. Best Systems Inc., a reseller of Linux Networx solutions, is also working with Linux Networx to assist with system integration and support after the cluster is installed. Linux Networx K.K, a wholly owned subsidiary of Linux Networx, was establish in March 2003 as part of the company's ongoing and dedicated expansion efforts throughout Asia.

"The GTRC aims to become the focal point of research and development in the grid communities in Japan and Asia-Pacific region. To accomplish this goal, we must have cutting-edge cluster systems that are reliable and powerful," said Satoshi Sekigucki, director of the GTRC. "The cluster provided by Linux Networx and SGI will be a key contributor to the success of the Grid program and we look forward to advances the cluster will make in our research programs."

The E2 cluster consists of 556 Intel(R) Xeon(TM) 3.06 GHz processors and will include cluster management tools from Linux Networx, Clusterworx(R) and ICE Box(TM), to provide total cluster management from one interface.

"AIST is a critical component to the Asian and Japanese research community and their extensive grid research program demonstrates their progressive thinking and leadership role in developing new technology," said Clark Roundy, vice president of Asia Pacific operations for Linux Networx. "We are pleased that AIST has chosen Linux Networx cluster technology to participate in this landmark computing event."

About Linux Networx
Linux Networx focuses exclusively on designing and building complete Linux cluster systems tailored to meet each customer's unique requirements. This is accomplished by combining patented hardware technologies and Total Cluster Management with the necessary application software. The company is renowned for its expertise and experience in designing and building some of the most powerful cluster systems in the world. This proven ability allows the company to provide industry-leading Certified Cluster Services, including system design, integration and installation, training, and project management, and customer support.