IBM Increases University of Canterbury's Research Capability with Supercomputer Upgrade
Thursday 9 June 2011, 8:59AM
By IBM
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IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today it will upgrade the University of Canterbury’s BlueFern High Performance Computing (HPC) facility, enhancing its ability to deliver quality science and technology outcomes and significantly increasing New Zealand’s research capacity.
The new four year contract follows the initial establishment of BlueFern at the University of Canterbury (UC) in 2007.
In addition to providing HPC hardware, IBM will undertake joint research relating to High Performance Computing and water management, as well as participate in a staff and student exchange with the University.
The upgrade and joint research relationship with IBM are integral to UC joining the National e-Science Infrastructure (NeSI), a NZ$48.4 million initiative to provide a national service to New Zealand research institutes. NeSI is a collaboration between the New Zealand Government, University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, NIWA and AgResearch.
UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr said the University is committed to investing in infrastructure that provides a world-class learning environment for students and researchers.
“As the major university investor and a lead HPC provider for New Zealand, the University of Canterbury looks forward to collaborating with the Crown Research Institutes and university partners locally and internationally to deliver top quality science and technology outcomes.”
Phill Patton, General Manager Sales for IBM New Zealand says, “IBM is delighted to be able to contribute High Performance Computing technology and skills to the University of Canterbury adding to its reputation for research excellence. The University, in collaboration with its research partners, will achieve higher levels of advanced research which in turn will drive economic benefits for New Zealand.
The BlueFern computer architecture includes an upgrade to a new IBM POWER7 system, which increases the capacity by 10 times of the previous model, and the new Blue Gene P which will go live by the end of September.
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