| What's New |
| Q1. |
What is Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003? |
| A1. |
Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 is an integrated, standards-based compute clustering platform built on top of Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition. HP added components provide a full feature HPC solution. Windows CCS can be preinstalled on ProLiant servers by HP, and also includes 3 CDs: CD1 contains the Compute Cluster Edition operating system, CD2 contains the Compute Cluster Pack utilities and tools, and CD3 contains the HP Supplement with documentation, scripts, and utilities.
For additional product information on Windows CCS, please see the Microsoft Windows CCS Frequently Asked Questions at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/ccs/faq.mspx.
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| Q2. |
What are the target markets for Windows CCS? |
| A2. |
Windows CCS is targeted for engineers, scientists, and analysts who require distributed computing to perform complex calculations. Typical customers requiring this level of computational power are in Computer Aided Engineering, Life Sciences, Geo Sciences, and Financial Services.
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| Q3. |
What are the main features of Windows CCS? |
| A3. |
Windows CCS supports leading HPC applications with an integrated software stack that includes Operating System, Job Scheduler, management tools, and MPI layer. It also integrates seamlessly with existing Windows infrastructure (e.g., Active Directory), allowing you to leverage existing skills and technology for system and node management, workload management, user management and security. Developing applications for Windows CCS allows developers to leverage their existing Windows-based skills and experience and use familiar development tools such as Visual Studio 2005.
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| Q4. |
Can I run general purpose server applications on Windows CCS? |
| A4. |
No. Windows CCS is designed and licensed for use only with dedicated computational servers for High Performance Computing (HPC) applications. You may not install or use any other general purpose computing applications except system utilities, server resource management, or similar software that is useable solely for administration, performance enhancement, or preventive maintenance of your cluster. If you need to run general purpose applications (Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange Server, IIS, etc.) on cluster nodes, then you should purchase the appropriate version of Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions (Standard, Enterprise, or Datacenter) for installation on those nodes.
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| Q5. |
Do I need Windows Server user Client Access Licenses (CAL) or device CALs to use Windows CCS? |
| A5. |
No. Client Access Licenses are not required for Windows CCS, as clients do not directly access the compute cluster resources in a fashion that requires CALs. |
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| Common Windows CCS Questions |
| Q1. |
Where is my Product Identification Key (PID) and what do I do with it? |
| A1. |
The Product Identification Key, or PID, is located on your Certificate of Authenticity (COA) when you buy the HP OEM version of Windows CCS. A generic OEM PID was used to pre-install the OS. The PID on the COA is needed if you need to re-install the OS in the future.
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| Q2. |
Where is the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) located on my server? |
| A2. |
For most systems, the COA is located on top of the server in the left rear corner. This may not be the case for all systems. Due to space constraints, the COA is sometimes located elsewhere on the server. These locations may include the side panels, rear, and on the inside of a removable panel.
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| Q3. |
Where can I find additional ProLiant value add software support for Windows CCS? |
| A3. |
Drivers and support software for Windows Server 2003 family of products are provided in the ProLiant Support Pack (PSP) for Windows Server 2003.
- The latest 32-bit support software
- The latest x64 support software
Note that in most cases, Windows CCS will not be explicitly called out as an OS. When looking for software and drivers, you should select "Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions" as the operating system.
HP also offers additional value-add software that offer complete management solutions for your ProLiant server environment. Visit the ProLiant Essentials Software website for more information.
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| Windows CCS from HP |
| Q1. |
Why should I buy Windows CCS from HP? |
| A1. |
Purchasing Windows CCS from HP provides simplicity, convenience, and value, allowing you to get your cluster up and running faster. HP delivers everything you need - pre-installed, integrated, and optimized.
- Hardware and software purchased/shipped together. Complete cluster solutions can be factory integrated with HP Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express
- Consistent deployments reduces troubleshooting time
- HP developed scripts simplify cluster installation
- No activation required, product key is automatically populated
- Includes all required Microsoft QFE Hotfixes
- One call to HP for hardware and software support
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| Q2. |
How can I buy Windows Server 2003 from HP? |
| A2. |
Windows CCS is available for purchase as a factory pre-installed option, or on CD media only, with selected HP ProLiant servers (factory pre-installation is currently only available for selected ProLiant 100 and 300 series servers). This must be done at the time of purchase of the server. It is also possible to have Windows CCS factory pre-installed with cluster solutions using HP Cluster Platform or Cluster Platform Express.
In cases where customers want to build and configure a high-performance compute cluster by themselves, they can order Windows CCS from HP as a factory installed option (either pre-installed or CD media only) for each individual ProLiant server they order. Customers will also need the required networking infrastructure, and will be responsible for configuring the cluster to meet the Windows CCS requirements. If customers want a fully configured system, including servers, racks, interconnects, cabling, and power, they should purchase Windows CCS from HP using HP Cluster Platform or Cluster Platform Express, which provide the flexibility of a custom solution with the simplicity, reliability and value of a preconfigured, factory-built cluster. More information on Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express can be found at http://www.hp.com/go/clusters.
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| Q3. |
Which HP ProLiant models are supported and not supported for Windows CCS? |
| A3. |
For the current list of supported servers, see the ProLiant OS support matrix for Windows Server. Windows CCS requires 64-bit processor architecture processors such as the Intel Xeon with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T) or the AMD Opteron family of processors. Both single and dual core processors are supported by Windows CCS.
64-bit HP Integrity servers with Intel Itanium processors, 32-bit ProLiant servers with Intel PII, PII Xeon, Pentium Pro and earlier processors are not supported. Also, HP-branded servers introduced before 2002 and HP NetServers are not supported.
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| Q4. |
On a factory installed ProLiant server with Windows CCS, where can I find drivers for additional HP hardware that will be installed in the system? |
| A4. |
There are several ways to obtain additional ProLiant value-add software drivers:
- Download the latest ProLiant Support Pack (PSP)
- Download the latest SmartStart with the PSP. (Only available for ProLiant 300, 500, and BladeSystem series servers. For ProLiant 100 series servers, follow the PSP download.)
With your preinstalled server, a folder called HPDRVRS on Windows Server 2003 has been created on the root of the boot partition (C: drive). Most of the drivers for HP devices have been placed in this directory.
When you purchase HP InfiniBand HCAs for your cluster, the Voltaire GridStack for Windows can be used (included with Windows CCS from HP).
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| Additional Options |
| Q1. |
What additional options are available with Windows CCS from HP? |
| A1. |
Windows CCS from HP also supports HP-MPI and Voltaire GridStack for Windows. These are additional software components that can increase performance in applications that require high-speed, low-latency communications.
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| Q2. |
What is HP-MPI? |
| A2. |
HP-MPI is a high-performance, production-quality implementation of the Message Passing Interface standard. HP-MPI uses enhancements whenever appropriate to provide low latency and high bandwidth point-to-point and collective communication routines. It supports multi-protocol execution of MPI applications on clusters of shared-memory servers so that applications can take advantage of the shared memory for intra-node communications.
Licenses must be purchased separately for HP-MPI. However, Trial Licenses are available for free download at http://www.hp.com/go/softwaredepot.
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| Q3. |
What is Voltaire GridStack for Windows? |
| A3. |
Voltaire GridStack for Windows provides support for customers using high-speed InfiniBand interconnects. GridStack for Windows is used when customers purchase HP Infiniband HCAs via HP Cluster Platform or Cluster Platform Express. More information can be found at http://www.voltaire.com
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| Q4. |
What are HP Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express? |
| A4. |
Windows CCS can be pre-installed on HP Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express, providing the flexibility of a custom solution with the simplicity, reliability and value of a preconfigured, factory-built cluster. Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express, part of the HP Unified Cluster Portfolio, feature modular framework and specific configuration designs that enable flexible high-performance solutions from 5 to 1024 nodes, with a comprehensive menu of software options. In a streamlined process, HP builds, delivers and maintains these clusters and supercomputers for the best total customer experience. Clustering is simple and fast with the HP Cluster Platform. More information can be found at http://www.hp.com/go/clusters.
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| Service and Support |
| Q1. |
Who do I call for service and support? |
| A1. |
Customers that purchase Microsoft server operating systems from HP would call HP for both OS and server support. Technical support is available from the HP website or by telephone for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. Telephone support (Software Support Services) includes assistance with:
- Answering your installation questions (how-to, first steps, and prerequisites)
- Setting up and configuring the software (how-to and first steps; excludes system optimization, customization, and network configuration)
- Interpreting system error messages
- Isolating system problems to software usage problems
- Answering your installation questions (how-to, first steps, and prerequisites)
- Setting up and configuring the software (how-to and first steps; excludes system optimization, customization, and network configuration)
- Interpreting system error messages
- Isolating system problems to software usage problems
- Obtaining support pack information or updates
- For additional information on HP service and support: United States or Worldwide
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| Q2. |
What is the warranty for a Microsoft server operating system from HP? |
| A2. |
HP offers a one-year one-time replacement warranty for media that proves to be defective in material or workmanship during the warranty period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Your remedy is to return the removable media to HP for replacement. Note: The warranty information above applies to factory installed OSes as well.
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| Q3. |
What support services are available with Windows Server 2003? |
| A3. |
A complete portfolio of services (Assessment, Installation and Startup, Migration, and others) is available for 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003. Information on available services is found at HP Services for Windows.
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