Kusnetzky noted that a lack of a "single system image" is still thwarting Linux in the clustering competition with Windows and Unix. His definition of "single system image" includes:

• Tools that let administrators see the whole multi-system configuration as a single domain.
• Tools that let developers create applications that work in a clustered environment without rewriting code.
• Tools that let nonparallel applications make some use of the multi-system configuration.
• Tools that let users queue batch and print jobs without having to know where the printing or computing happens.

Although Linux is catching up, Kusnetzky also explained that some needed administration, operations, and help desk tools, and some packaged applications, aren't yet available.

"IDC expects all of these issues to be addressed by suppliers and by the open-source community over the next couple of years," he said.

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The analyst also noted that IBM, HP, and Dell have all announced sales of large, Linux-clustered configurations to compete with the supercomputing market. This will also help spur the needed tools currently missing.

While the price tag is likely the biggest factor organizations consider in choosing Linux clusters, Kusnetzky warned that the lack of tools is just as important.

"Linux is perceived to cost less and run on less costly hardware configurations. But organizations need to understand that the true cost of ownership includes costs of administration, operations, help desk, development, and other categories--staff-related costs factor in," he said, adding that those costs are why enterprises choose the more mature administration and operations software available on Unix and Windows.

While LION's Athwal is managing the new cluster on his own, he agrees somewhat with the analyst's statements. He recommends getting the best available cluster management tools instead of scrimping in that area.

"Definitely go with the bells and whistles," Athwal said. "If a node goes down, you don't want to spend all day looking for it."

Athwal also suggested that companies consider having a vendor handle the installation. "When we received the cluster from the vendor, I turned it on, and it started working."

Would you consider using Linux clusters for a supercomputer system? TalkBack below or e-mail us with your thoughts.
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