Silicon Graphics Inc. has introduced its own optimized Linux software environment that scales to hundreds of Intel Itanium 2 processors, with up to 64 processors in a single Linux node; Linux management software; and a new line of servers that provide global shared memory across cluster nodes.

Each node in the cluster runs a single Linux operating-system image with up to 64 Itanium 2 processors and 512GB of memory. SGI uses its NUMAlink system interconnect fabric to provide memory and communication between cluster nodes.

A key component of SGI's new software suite is SGI ProPack, a new set of high-performance Linux optimizations that enhances overall system scaling, data handling and resource management while maintaining binary compatibility with existing 64-bit Linux applications running on the Intel Itanium 2 processor. Additionally, a complement of SG filesharing and data migration tools enables technical and creative professionals to optimize workflows and manage their largest and most complex data.

An entry-level Altix 3300 server, available this quarter, will be $70,176 with four processors but scales up to 12 processors. The Altix 3700, also available this quarter, will scale to hundreds of processors and more than 1TB of memory. The 64-processor system will start at $1.2 million.

The Altix servers target companies in the physical and life sciences, manufacturing, oil and gas, and government and defense markets.