SUSE Linux and Dell Computers set up a high-performance cluster with 64
Dell rack servers
Munich, Germany 08/05/2002 MTU Aero Engines has decided to use a
Linux cluster for its engine development. The Linux cluster consists of 64
Dell PowerEdge 1550 standard rack servers with two 1.13 GHz Intel Pentium
III processors each, and a total main memory of 144 GB SDRAM for the
implementation of additional computing capacities. SUSE Linux Enterprise
Server 7 is used as the operating system. The computers are networked
using Fast Ethernet and 2 GBit/s Myrinet.
The decision for the Linux cluster results from the MTU Aero Engines
engineers' rising demands for computing power. At the same time, they
expect the price-performance ratio to be as modest as possible. "We
decided to use the Linux cluster with Dell computers due to the fact that
it was the solution with the best price-performance ratio," said Norbert
Diehl, Head of the Information Systems Engineering (CAE) Team at MTU Aero
Engines. "A direct comparison with Unix-based supercomputer solutions
with the same computing performance reveals that the overall costs for our
Linux cluster are about 2.5 - 3 times lower."
Nowadays, simulation programs requiring a high level of computing are
indispensable for the development of competitive products. Already at the
design stage, complex algorithms, the aerodynamic, thermodynamic, and
mechanical properties of components are predicted, enabling an early
optimization of the geometry of the components. "In order to be successful
in the market, the development of new generations of engines must be
promoted in a straightforward and efficient manner," explained Norbert
Diehl.
Seamless Integration and Perfect Stability
"We were able to perform the port of our Unix application software to
Linux within our MTU team without encountering any problems," explained
project manager Dr. Axel Philipp. "However, the seamless integration of
the Linux cluster in the existing heterogeneous server infrastructure
constituted a special technical challenge. Thus, we commissioned the
experts of SUSE who mastered this task to our full satisfaction. The
smooth interaction between users, SUSE and T-Systems, the operators of
the MTU infrastructure, was also noteworthy."
Dr. Philipp rated the stability of the new Linux cluster as 'excellent':
"Our development engineers have nothing but praise. We have been utilizing
the Linux cluster productively around the clock for the past three months
without any failures. Nevertheless, if serious problems should arise that
cannot be solved by our system administrators, our support agreements with
Dell and SUSE provide us with direct access to the required specialists."
As is the case with modern mainframe systems, Linux clusters that strictly
comply with standard architectures can be expanded virtually without
limit. Server systems with standard components (CPU, bus architecture,
operating system) guarantee lower system costs, better compatibility, and
comparable availability, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. MTU
Aero Engines intends to expand the cluster soon. "The expansion of the
Linux cluster has already been decided upon. In view of our highly
positive experiences, we are going to double the performance of the
cluster within the coming six months," said Norbert Diehl.
About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines, a DaimlerChrysler affiliate, has 7,800 employees and EUR
2.5 billion in fiscal 2001 revenues. It is the world's fifth-largest
engine manufacturer and largest independent supplier of commercial engine
services.
About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.
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