Microsoft Releases Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003

Microsoft has released its first software offering designed to run parallel, High Performance Computing (HPC) application for customers to solve complex computations. Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 accelerates customers' time to insight by providing a reliable, HPC platform that is simple to deploy, operate, and integrate with existing infrastructure and tools.HPC technology reduces the time it takes to complete compute intensive tasks. Also, additional designs, analysis, and testing can be performed resulting in improvements in product, design, or research quality. Now, Microsoft wants to bring the technology into the mainstream market in collaboration with the HPC community and strategic partners.Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business Microsoft says, "Microsoft is making HPC technology more mainstream by bringing the cost advantages, ease of use and partner ecosystem of the Windows Server platform to departments and divisions in commercial industry and the public sector. We want HPC technology to become a pervasive resource -- something that's as easy to locate and use as printers are today.”Evaluation versions are available at http://www.microsoft.com/hpc, with generally availability scheduled for August via volume licensing and original equipment manufacturing licensing. Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 will be available in the volume license channel for an estimated price of USD469 per node, but prices will vary depending on license and volume.