Linux NetworX, which shipped the world’s first commercial Linux cluster
system, recently delivered a 40-processor cluster to Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory for its Drosophila Genome Project. The ability of Linux clusters to match the performance of expensive
supercomputers for a fraction of the price, is making it the technology
of choice for researchers and scientists alike. Follow the Read more… link to see the company’s press release.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Uses Linux NetworX Cluster System for Genome Research
Cluster system offers the computation power, scalability, and price/performance required for genome studies
Linux NetworX, Inc., a provider of
large-scale clustered computer solutions for Internet, industry and
research fields,
announced today that Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley
Calif., has selected a Linux NetworX cluster computer system for its
Drosophila Genome Project.
Using the Linux NetworX cluster system with 40 processors, Berkeley Lab
is analyzing and sequencing the Drosophila (fruit fly) genome, the
resulting genome data from these studies can be used for applications in
human genome research, such as research into diseases and aging. The
Drosophila’s 15,000 genes are similar to a human’s 100,000 genes and
have been used extensively in the past as a model organism for research
studies.
The massive amount of data computation inherent in genome research
requires large supercomputers or cluster systems. Cluster technology is
a method of linking multiple computers, or compute modules, together to
form a powerful, unified system. Linux NetworX clusters can match the
performance of supercomputers for a fraction of the cost.
“The Linux NetworX cluster is much more cost efficient than the systems
we’ve used in the past,” said Erwin Frise, systems manager and
biomedical scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “Comparing
the price/performance of the cluster to supercomputers and other options
available on the market made Linux NetworX the obvious choice for our
research.”
Frise also explains that because clusters are highly scalable, Berkeley
Lab will be able to add additional compute modules to the system to keep
it up to date, something not feasible with a supercomputer. The ability
to add additional compute modules as demands increase also provides
long-term cost savings because the Linux NetworX cluster architecture
takes advantage of many standard hardware components.
“Our clustered systems are a great option for research organizations
such as Berkeley Lab,” said Glen Lowry, president and CEO of Linux
NetworX. “Linux NetworX provides organizations with complete ready-to-go
cluster solutions – allowing the customer to focus on what they do best.
The biotechnology and genome research markets are recognizing the
outstanding value Linux NetworX clusters offer over other alternatives.
We’re pleased that our technology is an instrumental component in such
important scientific endeavors.”
About Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located
in Berkeley, California. It conducts unclassified scientific research
and is managed by the University of California.
About Linux NetworX
Linux NetworX (www.linuxnetworx.com) brings its powerful cluster
technology to those demanding high-availability and high-performance
systems. With the use of cluster computer technology, Linux NetworX
provides solutions for companies with high-computing needs including
Internet servers, research, industry, government and other technological
fields. Through innovative hardware, complete cluster management
software, service and support, Linux NetworX provides end-to-end
clustering solutions.
To date, the company has built some of the largest cluster systems in
the world and has developed unique hardware and versatile software to
facilitate overall system management. Linux NetworX has offices in Utah,
New York, Calif. and Texas and worldwide distributors.
About the Linux Operating System
Linux is a computer operating system that is distributed freely on the
Internet. As an open source project, Linux allows developers to share
information, code and suggestions to continuously maintain and improve
the system. Linux NetworX selected the operating system for its
stability, reliability and rapid development.