Lustre Performance Benchmark for Fair and Transparent Big Data Solution Comparisons Proposed by NetApp and Whamcloud

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Nov 14, 2011) - As big data analytics, real-time modeling and simulation advancements in science, research, imaging, engineering and other data-intensive applications dramatically change the way organizations function, selecting the right storage system for the job is critical. NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) today joined with Whamcloud to announce the foundation of the Open Benchmark for Lustre initiative which will define, standardize and promote storage systems benchmarks using Lustre. Organizations that rely on high-performance computers know the impact that the file system, networking and storage can have on overall performance and compute efficiency. For those deploying the powerful Lustre global parallel file system, the Open Benchmark for Lustre will provide a more effective and efficient way to compare supplier storage offerings for a new and emerging set of big data requirements.

News Facts
The Open Benchmark for Lustre initiative enables customers to have more accurate expectations when making important deployment decisions and a framework that enhances configuration guidelines for optimized installations. In addition, the benchmark will help to frame important Lustre deployment decisions for improved efficiencies in areas such as bandwidth, efficiency, power consumption and floor space.

Lustre technology is developed and maintained as open source software, and the benchmark program is designed as an industry collaboration, encouraging vendors to identify and benchmark configurations that are transparent and demonstrate performance of storage systems in Lustre environments. The benchmark data is then published for an "apples-to-apples" comparison of Lustre in different storage environments.

Supporting Quotes
Brendon Howe,
Vice President of High Performance Computing, NetApp

"NetApp is committed to providing innovative products that improve productivity and value for companies in a simplified manner. By working with Whamcloud, a leader in Lustre expertise, and welcoming full industry participation, we hope to help companies gather the data needed to make the informed infrastructure decisions required to achieve the next wave of innovation powered by big data."

Eric Barton, CTO, Whamcloud
"An industry-standard benchmark is needed to provide common configuration guidance and performance reference points. NetApp and Whamcloud are providing this foundation in order to improve Lustre customer experience and enhance the stability of the HPC industry by enabling better decision making via standardized performance benchmarks and ratio comparisons."

To be part of the working group and for more information contact:
info@openbechmarkforlustre.org

Discuss this news in NetApp Communities, where you can exchange thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics with our community members. Collaborate with our company, engage in conversation with NetApp leaders and employees, and participate in our passion to go further, faster. Join now at www.netapp.com/us/communities.

Engage with our experts at the NetApp booth #2605 at SC11 November 14 - 18, 2011. Join the discussion at the Whamcloud Community Lustre Enhancements and Roadmap session on Tuesday, November 15, 11am, Exhibitor forum WSCC 613/614

Additional Resources

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http://www.netapp.com/us/solutions/a-z/high-performance-computing.html

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About NetApp
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About Whamcloud
Whamcloud, composed of HPC storage veterans and well-known Lustre experts, implements and supports Lustre solutions in HPC centers around the world. Whamcloud actively promotes the growth, stability and vendor neutrality of Lustre. Lustre is utilized in 70% of the TOP100 supercomputing sites today and is the best technology for addressing many of the exascale issues of tomorrow. http://www.whamcloud.com