Doug Eadline has a new article at Linux Magazine on the benefits of cluster standards, stimulated by the release of xCAT, IBM’s recently open sourced cluster stack.
Many years ago, I started a “good new/bad news” joke about Linux HPC clusters. The good news is Linux HPC clusters give you the freedom to design and build your HPC machine to your needs. The bad news is Linux HPC clusters give you the freedom to design and build your HPC machine to your needs. One needs to be care [sic] with that freedom thing. In particular, there are two areas where this “freedom feature” can hurt the market place. Tools like xCAT go a long way in helping manage the “freedom” we’re all looking for.
The article goes on to outline value to ISVs, end users, and the market in general. Worth a read.
