Resources for Windows High Performance Computing
The following resources should help you get up to speed on Windows HPC Server 2008 and high performance computing in general - whether you prefer to read, listen, watch or travel. First up, two events in March.
Events:
- London, March 27th 2008: In the UK we are delivering a one day Jumpstart on Windows HPC Server 2008 in London on March 27. You can register at https://www.hpcpal.com/
- New York, March 12th 2008: Microsoft Financial Services Developer Conference with a special focus this year on High Performance Computing. Register here.
Joining the Beta/Installing Windows HPC Server 2008
You will need a 64 bit machine, a 64 bit Windows Server 2008, a C++ compiler and... the Windows HPC Pack (currently Beta 1). To do this you need to sign up to the Beta:
- Sign in at https://connect.microsoft.com
- View the available connections https://connect.microsoft.com/availableconnections.aspx
- Apply for HPC Server 2008 - which involves completing a short form.
- Once you have been accepted, click on downloads to get access to the HPC Pack and supporting articles and slides.
If you are a UK Based ISV then we can probably offer further help:
Please contact me if you are a UK based ISV who is serious about targeting Windows HPC Server 2008. We might be able to offer further help.
Online Content:
The Windows HPC Community Site https://www.windowshpc.net/ is a great place to start. But if you prefer to watch and listen, then the HPC Show on Channel9 could be just what you are looking for. It currently includes 4 videos.
- https://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=356828 Getting Started with Windows HPC Server 2008
- https://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=366683 New performance enhancements for MPI applications running on HPC Server 2008
- https://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=366694 New Job Scheduler Features with Windows HPC Server 2008
- https://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=369487 Exploring the new web service interface which enables client HPC applications to interact with the compute cluster job scheduler in a vendor-neutral manner.
We have also very recently created a MSDN Code Snippets area just for HPC https://code.msdn.microsoft.com/hpc (Just the one snippet right now...)
Active Bloggers:
Each with a stack load of great posts and links to further content.
HPC and Financial Services
In the UK we have the Financial Services Grid Initiative which was created to provide a utility platform for financial services companies based upon the use of Grid technologies. Members include hardware vendors, software vendors, customers and system integrators. The site includes a forum, papers and more.
We have an article and Technet Radio recording which looks at Windows HPC and Financial Services.