Terascala, a provider of High-Performance Computing (HPC) storage management software, has announced that its TeraOS software is powering two HPC storage systems 24x7 at the Cornell University Center for Advanced Computing (CAC).
For these systems, Terascala provides the software stack that has been pre-certified on the Dell | Terascala HPC Storage Solution (HSS). Cornell researchers rely on these turnkey appliances for high speed throughput, management simplicity, and robust scalability. These are fundamental storage requirements in their mission to accelerate scientific discovery and spur innovation.
Two high performance Lustre-based storage appliances are in full production at Cornell's Ithaca, New York campus. High availability is essential, as faculty and graduate student researchers access the systems around the clock.
One group of researchers is performing mechanical engineering simulations to model turbulent reacting multiphase flows, with a goal to improve the design of aircraft engine fuel injectors. A second group is doing environmental simulations that analyse complex water management data that may help create more sustainable water management systems in light of expanding populations and climate change.
While assessing possible storage platforms, CAC leaders knew they did not have staff resources to dedicate to managing and optimizing a Lustre-based HPC storage system. Other purchase criteria included the ability to easily monitor the system (with phone-home support) for performance degradation or component failures. The first storage appliance has been in production since 2012 and based on its success, a second system was purchased in 2013.
Resa Alvord, CAC assistant director, systems said: ‘We were pleasantly surprised that we could procure a shrink-wrapped solution that exceeded the researchers' performance expectations and be within budget. With same day installation and excellent Terascala after sales support, recommending a second HSS purchase was an easy decision.’
‘Repeat customers are a demonstrable testament to the return on investment received,’ stated Alan Swahn, Terascala's vice president of marketing. ‘As word spreads on the challenges of roll your own Lustre, I expect the turnkey appliance model to become a requirement in customer RFPs.’
