Intel, Cray to develop supercomputing technologies

The companies will explore future supercomputer component designs such as multi-core processing and advanced interconnects, with the goal of developing a range of high performance computing systems over the next several years.

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- Electronic News, 4/28/2008

To help solve some of the world’s most complex scientific, engineering and humanitarian challenges, chip giant Intel Corp is teaming with supercomputer maker Cray Inc on a multi-year agreement to create high-performance computing (HPC) systems from Cray, based on Intel microprocessors.

The collaboration is meant to provide the HPC market segment with access to Intel’s microprocessors in advanced supercomputers, which Cray also said will strengthen its adaptive supercomputing vision.

Specifically, Intel and Cray said they will explore future supercomputer component designs such as multi-core processing and advanced interconnects, with the goal of developing a range of HPC systems and technologies over the next several years.

“Cray’s commitment to Intel is a testament of our commitment to HPC and the strength of our hardware and software roadmap and many-core research. Throughout Cray’s history, it has been an innovator in high-end HPC while Intel has pushed the boundaries of processor technology,” said Patrick Gelsinger, senior VP and general manager of Intel’s digital enterprise group, in a statement.

“The combination of this industry leadership and technical strength will allow HPC users to take advantage of future Xeon and other Intel processor technologies. Together we will enable fundamental and historical problems of science and industry to be solved,” he concluded.