Questions and Answers (09/14/2006)
Q1:
Will utilization increase?
Answer:
Yes, some growth is possible.
Q2:
What is your target number for availability? 97% (which NCCS reported) seems low.
Answer:
Although NCCS can't get 100%, NCCS will put system back ends and mass storage onto UPS to increase availability.
Q3:
Will NCCS show the wait time statistics in the User Forum?
Answer:
NCCS should incorporate queue wait time info in the next User Forum statistics.
Q4:
When the cluster becomes available, how will testing of upgraades be done?
Answer:
A subsystem of 32 nodes for testing will be orderd. For now, NCCS will carve out 16 nodes for testing.
Q5:
Is another organization building a cluster like NCCS's?
Answer:
Yes, ARL is building one, and we have started a learning relationship with ARL and the vendors. We will take a multi-pronged approach to vendor relations.
Q6:
Although the commodity architecture is cheaper than alternatives, must we do costly in-house work to support it?
Answer:
Yes, but in the TCO we included costs for work on our side.
Q7:
Will the cluster have UPS?
Answer:
Yes.
Q8:
Is the schedule change (delaying cluster operation) affecting the schedule for 'halem' decommisioning?
Answer:
Halem will remain available until which time we need cooling capacity for the new system.
Q9:
Is there a direct route between Columbia's front end and 'palm'?
Answer:
Yes.
Q10:
Can user use bbftp to get to 'lou' at NAS?
Answer:
Yes. Information will be placed on WWW and be available from user support.
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