Platform Rocks 4.0 provides more choice, flexibility and
efficiency for enterprises in the deployment and management of Linux
clusters
Platform Computing Inc., the global leader in distributed and grid
computing, today announced Platform Rocks 4.0, the latest version of
the company’s industry-leading solution for the intuitive deployment
and management of large-scale Linux clusters. With Platform Rocks 4.0
users now have more choice and flexibility in their hardware and
software decisions, with the ability to support products from multiple
vendors. In addition, cluster management has been greatly enhanced with
new tools for simplified configuration and maintenance.
"Standardizing and simplifying all aspects of high-performance
clusters is a key tenet of Dell's approach to HPCC and helps reduce the
cost of advanced computing for customers," said Reza Rooholamini, PhD.,
Director, Enterprise Solutions Engineering, Dell. "The availability of
Platform Rocks software on Dell’s standards-based HPCC configurations
further delivers on this tenet by simplifying for customers the
installation, management and operation of applications in small to
large Linux-based computing infrastructures."
Platform Rocks 4.0 is based on the National Partnership for Advanced
Computational Infrastructure (NPACI) Rocks developed by the San Diego
Supercomputing Center (SDSC). Recently announced NPACI Rocks 4.0 new
features include:
- The ability to add Rolls to a cluster without re-installing the
cluster
- Support for CentOS or any Red Hat 4.0 based operating system
- The ability to pre-configure a node in the cluster database for
ease of installation
Platform Rocks 4.0 leverages NPACI Rocks to offer extended
functionality such as:
- A cluster database generation tool that allows administrators to
define layout in a single XML file. This allows administrators to
pre-configure Rocks with the necessary information for all nodes of a
cluster with a single command before installation, facilitating new
deployments or existing maintenance.
- Integration with Red Hat Network, allowing for automatic
downloading and updating of security and application patches, ensuring
proper cluster synchronization while simplifying the overall
administration
- A Rocks roll operations tool that adds and removes NPACI and
Platform Rocks rolls from the front end and compute nodes of a cluster
without the need to re-install Rocks.
"Since the launch of Platform Rocks in late 2004, we have
experienced tremendous success and market adoption, with the world’s
largest and most powerful cluster users choosing our solutions," said
Robert Shecterle, Vice President, Marketing, Platform Computing. "With
a large and rapidly expanding customer base, the market is providing a
clear indicator that we have the optimal solution for cluster
management. Now, with its new features and continued support by
industry leading partners such as Dell, Platform Rocks 4.0 promises to
help customers more effectively manage high performance computing
clusters while increasing performance and productivity."
Pricing and Availability
Platform Rocks 4.0 will be available in summer 2005 from
leading partners, including Dell and SGI, as well as at www.platform.com/rocks. Additionally,
customers have the option to purchase Annual Cluster Care, a package of
value added services (including expert 24/7 support, periodic upgrades,
and patches). Annual Cluster Care is priced on a per node basis.
About Platform Computing
Platform Computing, the global leader in grid computing solutions,
helps enterprises accelerate key business applications, reduce
operational and capital costs, guarantee service levels and optimize
their IT resources. Platform’s integrated desktop and enterprise grid
software solutions are used by over 1,700 customers worldwide in the
financial services, government, industrial manufacturing, electronics
and life science industries to deliver higher quality products and
services, improve business performance and maximize the return on IT
investments. Founded in 1992, Platform has strategic relationships with
Apple, Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, SAS and SGI, and the Industry’s broadest
application integration support. More information about Platform
can be found at www.platform.com
# # #
Platform Computing Corporation, LSF and Accelerating Intelligence are
registered trademarks of Platform Computing Corporation. All
other logo and product names are the trademarks of their respective
owners, errors and omissions excepted. Platform and Platform Computing
refer to Platform Computing Inc. and each of its subsidiaries.
For more information:
Platform Computing –
Jon Carvill, Platform Computing, (905) 948-4208, jcarvill@platform.com
Christian T. Potts, FitzGerald Communications, (617) 585-2231,
cpotts@fitzgerald.com
