Confusion over the cost of high performance computing

VIRTUS Data Centres has announced the results of its latest research, highlighting industry misperceptions around high performance computing (HPC). The research, conducted by Redshift Research, surveyed 250 IT business decision makers in the UK and investigated their understanding of high density computing solutions in data centres as well as attitudes towards big data.

High density solutions, are an essential ingredient for HPC, however, the research reveals that although 97 per cent of respondents were aware of high density solutions, only 31 per cent understood that it could be more cost effective than traditional computing, demonstrating a lack of understanding around the technology and the capabilities that newer, innovative data centres are able to provide.

Wide spread difference of opinion was also apparent over what constituted high density computing (HDC) and ultra-HDC. While Gartner defines HDC as more than 10kW per rack, the research highlighted that over 60 per cent of respondents thought it meant a much lower density of IT computing capability in the rack.

When the same question was asked about ultra-HDC, understanding was even lower, with only 18 per cent demonstrating they knew this meant more than 20kW per rack; showing that there is a lot of ambiguity around high density solutions.

The research also highlighted that 73 per cent of respondents believe existing IT data centres have the ability to handle high density, but that there was a penalty cost to deploy IT equipment in this way. Given the responses to the survey, there is a very strong possibility that businesses are not taking advantage of HPC to capitalise on trends like big data and the Internet of Things that have the potential to revolutionise business.

The survey also looked at attitudes towards big data usage and when asked, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of respondents said big data was very important, however, only half said they were using it to its full extent, while 81 per cent agreed that their business could improve how they used it - specifically citing a need to invest in better IT infrastructure.

Matthew Larbey, Product Strategy Director, VIRTUS Data Centres, says: "Although most respondents were familiar with high performance computing and high density data centre solutions, confusion remains around the overall costs associated with the technology. Businesses seem unaware of the performance and financial efficiencies achievable through high performance computing deployments into specifically designed high and ultra-high density data centres."

Darren Watkins, Sales Director, VIRTUS Data Centres says: "A common misconception is that high performance computing is expensive. However, a like for like 30kW load can be 30 per cent or more cost effective in a VIRTUS ultra-high density data centre, compared to a normal density offering in a data centre that is not designed for higher densities. Furthermore, high and ultra-high density are only expensive if supplemental cooling equipment or space are needed, the cost of which is passed onto the customer. At VIRTUS' intelligently designed data centres neither of these scenarios is true and combined with an operating PUE of 1.2, the ongoing running costs are kept low."

Matthew Larbey continued: "VIRTUS Data Centres' LONDON2 has the ability to offer customers high and ultra-high density solutions, and has been designed to support increasing levels of compute power within the same rack footprint as standard up to 40kW today, with a roadmap to support beyond 40kW as our customer's IT requirements grow. "