Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008 Released

By DE Editors

Microsoft Corp. (New York) released to manufacturing its newest server — Windows HPC Server 2008, giving Wall Street firms an easy-to-deploy, cost-effective, and scalable high-performance computing (HPC) solution.

According to the release, the company’s HPC vision goes beyond traditional HPC workloads. Microsoft brings the value of an integrated HPC solution and a productive development environment to customers for whom HPC has been out of reach in the past.

Windows HPC Server 2008, the successor to Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, is based on Windows Server 2008 and is designed to improve productivity of systems administration and cluster interoperability , encourage rapid HPC application development through integration with Visual Studio 2008, and seamlessly scale from workstation to cluster.

For partners, Windows HPC Server 2008 ($475 per node) provides a broad platform for ISVs and an expanded playing field for OEMs to enable new innovations in high-performance computing. Microsoft is working with more than 60 partners.

Last week, Microsoft announced a new partnership with supercomputer leader Cray to introduce a new compact supercomputer, the Cray CX1 (see previous DE coverage).

Windows HPC Server 2008 evaluation copies are available for download.

More information is available from Microsoft.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.