Scientists of Cornell University Center for Advanced Computing Run on Two Dell | Terascala HPCs

Terascala, Inc., in HPC storage management software, announced that its TeraOS software is powering two HPC storage systems 24×7 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 appliances for high speed throughput, management simplicity, and scalability. These are storage requirements in their mission to accelerate scientific discovery.

Two Lustre-based storage appliances are in production at Cornell’s Ithaca, NY campus. HA 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 analyze 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 monitor the system (with phone-home support) for performance degradation or component failures. The first storage appliance has been in production since 2012 and a second system was purchased in 2013.

“We were pleasantly surprised that we could procure a shrink-wrapped solution that exceeded the researchers’ performance expectations and be within budget,” noted Resa Alvord, CAC assistant director, systems. “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 ROI received,” stated Alan Swahn, Terascala’s VP 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.“