Linux breakthrough boosts cluster performance

Lustre technology delivers 100 times more bandwidth than typical clusters

Hewlett Packard has unveiled a file sharing product based on a Linux clustering technology known as Lustre, which it claims can deliver up to 100 times more bandwidth than typical clusters.

HP StorageWorks Scalable File Share (HP SFS) is a self-contained file server that enables bandwidth to be shared by distributing files in parallel across clusters of server and storage components.

The vendor claimed that it is the first commercial product to use the Lustre technology, which was co-developed by HP, the US Department of Energy and Cluster File Systems.

Aimed initially at high-performance computing, HP SFS allows applications to 'see' a single file system image regardless of the number of servers or storage devices connected to it.

The system can span dozens to thousands of clustered Linux servers, making it easier to run distributed applications, according to HP.

Winston Prather, vice president and general manager of high performance technical computing at HP, said in a statement: "HP SFS combines accessible, open source technology with a well engineered HP product that solves the distributed file system I/O challenge that our high-performance customers face.

"It also simplifies the use and administration of Linux clusters, provides faster processing and a higher return on investment."