| What's New |
| Q1. |
What is Windows HPC Server 2008? |
| A1. |
Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008 is the next release of Windows HPC Server 2008. It is an integrated, standards-based compute clustering platform built on top of Windows Server 2008. HP added components provide a full feature HPC solution. Windows HPCS can be preinstalled on ProLiant servers by HP, and also includes the HPC operating system, the Compute Cluster Pack utilities and tools, and documentation.
For additional product information on Windows HPCS, please see the Microsoft Windows HPCS Frequently Asked Questions.
|
|
| Q2. |
What are the target markets for Windows HPCS? |
| A2. |
Windows HPCS 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.
|
|
| Q3. |
What are the main features of Windows HPCS? |
| A3. |
Windows HPCS 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.
|
|
| Q4. |
Can I run general purpose server applications on Windows HPCS? |
| A4. |
No. Windows HPCS 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 2008 Editions (Standard, Enterprise, or Datacenter) for installation on those nodes.
|
|
| Q5. |
Do I need Windows Server user Client Access Licenses (CAL) or device CALs to use Windows HPCS? |
| A5. |
No. Client Access Licenses are not required for Windows HPCS, as clients do not directly access the compute cluster resources in a fashion that requires CALs.
|
|
| Windows HPCS from HP |
| Q1. |
Why should I buy Windows HPCS from HP? |
| A1. |
Purchasing Windows HPCS 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
|
| Q2. |
How can I buy Windows HPCS from HP? |
| A2. |
HP will have Windows HPCS available for purchase mid-November.
|
| Q3. |
Which HP ProLiant models are supported and not supported for Windows HPCS? |
| A3. |
For the current list of supported servers, see the ProLiant OS support matrix for Windows Server. Windows HPCS 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 HPCS.
|
|
| Additional Options |
| Q1. |
What additional options are available with Windows HPCS from HP? |
| A1. |
Windows HPCS 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.
|
|
| 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.
|
| 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
|
|
| Q4. |
What are HP Cluster Platform and Cluster Platform Express? |
| A4. |
Windows HPCS 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.
|
| 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
|
| 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.
|
| Q3. |
What support services are available with Windows Server 2008? |
| A3. |
A complete portfolio of services (Assessment, Installation and Startup, Migration, and others) is available for 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008. Information on available services is found at HP Services for Windows.
|
Printable version
