The latest version of Moab Hybrid Cluster - an HPC solution that dynamically changes cluster servers between Linux and Windows based on workload, defined policies, and application needs - now includes added support for the release of Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008. Improvements include the automation of setup through added wizards, added policies to apply fine-grained control over multiple operating systems, and additional documentation.

Windows HPC Server 2008, the successor to Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, is based on the Windows Server 2008 operating system and is designed to increase productivity, scalability and manageability. Key features include new high-speed networking, highly efficient and scalable cluster-management tools, advanced failover capabilities, and support for partners' clustered file systems.

"Cluster Resources is the leader for dynamically managing workload across multiple mixed Windows and Linux platforms", stated Kyril Faenov, general manager, Microsoft HPC Division. "Together with Microsoft, Cluster Resources has repeatedly proven its leadership with successful deployments of the Moab Hybrid Cluster solution at multiple joint Microsoft and Cluster Resources customer sites."

Mixed dual-boot clusters can improve cluster efficiency because of their ability to serve both Linux and Windows users. The hybrid solution overcomes the capacity-planning problem of estimating the number of servers allocated to different OS resource pools and increases utilization rates by creating an efficient shared resource pool. Traditionally, these static resource pools have different peak usage times when one OS remains idle while the other has a backlog of workload. The hybrid model breaks down OS resource silos, letting OS pools grow and shrink to take advantage of otherwise idle compute servers. Moab also intelligently overcomes hardware and job failures by reallocating resources with the proper OS to compensate for the failures.

The supercomputer known as Firefly, located at Holland Computing Center in Nebraska, one of the largest hybrid-OS supercomputing facilities, runs both Linux and Windows operating systems. The Moab Hybrid Cluster solution has made platform choice a thing of the past on Firefly and allowed the centre to meet the needs of a wider range of users, dynamically switching between operating systems based on workload and application needs.

"We have seen a steady increase in demand from our Windows customer base. The features and scalability associated with Windows Server 2008, combined with Moab's ability to switch between running Windows and Linux on the same cluster, are critical to our success and ability to meet customer demand", stated Jim Skirvin, president and CEO of Holland Computing Center.