Windows Compute Cluster Edition 2003 launches for high-performance computing

Microsoft aims to challenge Linux by offering a cheap and simple system for HPC tasks

Microsoft has released to manufacturing its Windows Compute Cluster Edition 2003, a little over two years after outlining the program.

Microsoft’s vision is to create a low-cost, easy means of performing tasks such as visualisations, financial simulations, digital video effects and other high-performance computing [HPC] tasks. The strategy will challenge the dominance of Linux in this market.

“Until now [HPC] has been too expensive and too difficult for many people to use effectively,” said Bob Muglia, senior vice-president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft. “We want [the] technology to become a pervasive resource — something that’s as easy to locate and use as printers are today. Microsoft is excited about the promise this holds for our customers and partners in the months and years ahead.”

Various hardware and software vendors, including Cisco, Dell and IBM, are due to release products that support the operating system by the end of the year.

One early adopter, Queen's University Belfast, said that it wants to attract new research users to HPC. “We are seeking to expand the use of high-performance computing to user groups who do not have the in-depth Unix or Linux skills usually associated with [HPC technology],” said the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, Ken Bell at the launch. He added that Windows Compute Cluster Server offers “the ability to solve complex computational problems in a user-friendly environment”.

However, despite its unparalleled resources, Microsoft will have to convince many parties in a sector that may be resistant to change.

“Microsoft has been spectacularly unsuccessful in HPC, especially compared to its great success in so many other areas,” said Gordon Haff of analyst firm Illuminata. “I don't see that changing. There are so many fundamental issues of culture and affinity as much as technical issues. [Microsoft may] gain some ground, especially in those chunks of HPC going mainstream in datacentres and elsewhere in enterprises. But Microsoft is highly unlikely to reverse the gains made by Linux and other Unixes.”

An evaluation version of Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 is available now. Microsoft said that a full release would follow in August, priced at about $469 (£250) per node. Pricing will also be based on volume.