Microsoft has made a final decision to offer an edition of Windows Server 2003 for high performance computing (HPC). This edition will be specifically designed for customers running scalable, parallel computing workloads in vertical market segments such as engineering, life sciences, and finance.
The Windows Server 2003, HPC Edition will offer customers a Windows-based solution with a single simplified environment for developing HPC applications, deploying and managing HPC clusters. Scalable and easy-to-use, this edition will deliver a secure HPC platform with high performance and low total-cost-of ownership. Additionally, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, HPC Edition will include established industry standards, like Message Passing Interface (MPI), for high performance computing and will be supported by many industry partners including OEMs, middleware and ISVs such as AMD, Dell, IBM, Intel, HP, Verari and Cornell Theory Center.
The Windows Server 2003, HPC Edition is expected to ship in the second half of 2005. Final pricing and packaging decisions have not been made yet. No further details are available at this time.