Installation and service
Purchasing an HPC cluster represents a significant investment. For this reason, various issues need to be given careful consideration beforehand: How many nodes? Which processors? What network technology? Questions such as "Who will administrate the cluster?" and "How much maintenance do we need?" and issues relating to the available cooling system also need to be answered. | Services |  |  | Analysis |  | | Consultancy | | | Service levels | | | Services | |
Services
Are you short of experience with high performance computers? That's no reason not to use them! As an experienced service provider, we can support you in your advance planning with analysis of the required performance and selection of the right architecture. But we go one step further and offer you an extended service that covers installation, training and, if required, operation of the cluster. We have the perfect combination of hardware and service for everyone - from experienced users who want turnkey systems to their own specifications to absolute beginners. Specific features:Like a modular system, you can choose the combination of the above services that meet your specific needs. Our team will be pleased to answer any questions you have
Initial considerations
Is a cluster actually suitable for the planned application?This is a question that definitely needs to be answered. The following points need to be considered:
- Can the application be scaled if multi-core CPUs are used?
- Does a high-speed interconnect really reduce the runtime of the calculations? - Gigabit Ethernet is often perfectly sufficient
- How many nodes and what kind of architecture are required?
- What operating and energy costs and appropriate cooling are included in the purchasing planning?
transtec can help you to answer these questions and will work with you to come up with the right concept for purchasing and implementing the system. This gives you clarity from day one and saves hassle down the line.
Expert and reliable consultancy
If a definite decision has already been made to purchase a cluster, we can advise you on the best way to implement it. Our services include:
- Joint tour of the facilities to check the technical options
- Evaluation of available capacities for cooling and power supply
- Physical access to server room - bulk delivery or implementation on site?
- Permissible ceiling loads - does the weight restrict the dimensioning of the hardware?
Good consultancy must include these points to prevent unpleasant surprises when the cluster is delivered. We work with you to clarify these issues in advance so that no problems can occur during the implementation.
Service levels
The concept is in place, the technical options have been clarified - there is nothing to prevent the purchase. Now is the time to think about the appropriate service levels. Key components such as master nodes and interconnect switches should all have on-site service with rapid response times, This guarantees a fast recovery in case of failure.For compute nodes, experienced users only need a pick-up service or express exchange, where the spare parts for any repairs are sent to them.
The following service levels are available from transtec:
- Extended warranty
- Pick-up and express exchange
- On site services
- Individual services on request
Benefits to you:
You can arrange the required service levels for your cluster on a modular basis. Individual components can be safeguarded separately with special services. This means maximum flexibility for safeguarding your cluster in case of any defects.
Competence Centre services
Every cluster includes a comprehensive package of integrated services. It includes:Setting up an operating system of your choice.
We support free operating systems such as Scientific Linux, OpenSUSE and Debian, as well as commercial systems such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Microsoft HPC Server 2008.
Configuration of all internal cluster services
NFS, CIFS,DHCP and TFTP. To do this, MPI libraries corresponding to the network and application used are installed to meet your requirements.
Batch queuing system
Allows the cluster to be used as a resource with high utilisation.
Management software
For easy administration, the cluster is supplied with easy to operate management software, based on open source packages such as Ganglia and Im-Sensors. It is supplemented with various scripts and tools developed by transtec specialists based on their day-to-day experience.
As an option, transtec offers extended maintenance contracts, which can include administration and support for the cluster. This can include monitoring of the nodes, installation of updates or guaranteeing operation of the application. If required, transtec can take over complete operation of the system. The advantage of this for you is that you do not need to use any of your own resources to operate it.
