High Performance Computers (HPCs) Custom vs. COTS

by Ace Computers

Ace Computers575 Lively Blvd.Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-2013

Contact877-ACECOMP (877-223-2667)www.acecomputers.com

If you have made the decision and know you want to buy a high performance computer (HPC) now what? Your second biggest decision will be whether to go with an off-the shelf version or one that’s custom designed. Here are 6 considerations.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 1

Does your existing technology need to be integrated?

If you don’t have complex system-- components that need to be

integrated into the HPC-- off-the shelf is probably OK. Otherwise

you’ll eliminate a lot of headaches and downtime with a custom

solution that’s designed from the start to be compatible with your

existing technology.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 2

Will you need to upgrade your HPC within the next

five years?

Most organizations start shopping for HPCs in the first place because they are growing so rapidly and rapidly

growing organizations have rapidly evolving technology needs. While an off-the-shelf solution is

expandable to a degree, it may not be expandable in ways that best fit your organization. A good custom builder will help you forecast future needs and then

will integrate specific expandability capabilities.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 3

Is the intended use outside the mainstream?

If you are just looking at mega number crunching, then an off-the-shelf HPC should be OK. On the other hand, if

your organization specializes in a particular area that requires niche, complex computing functionality a

custom HPC will be the better option.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 4

Are you operating on a tight budget?

Considering total cost of ownership (hardware purchase price, integration,

fixed operating costs, employee training, etc.) a custom HPC will almost always be

the better choice. One of the many reasons is that a good custom builder will

be able to incorporate non-standard energy-saving features into the design.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 5

How important is

independent benchmarking?

Even though the prices of HPCs have decreased dramatically (particularly in

the last few years) they are still an investment. There’s nothing worse

than discovering that the off-the shelf system you bought doesn’t perform to

either the manufacturer’s specifications or your own

specifications. This is not an issue with custom HPCs that are independently

built for and benchmarked to the client’s intended use.

Custom vs. COTS HPC? Consideration 6

Are you going to need post-implementation support?

HPCs require specialized knowledge and a level of expertise

that is far above that of a typical independent IT service provider. A custom builder will already know your system inside and out and

will be available to help you long after your purchase.

If you’ve decided that a custom HPC is your best choice, here is a summary of what to look for in an HPC builder: • Do they provide 100% true customization that incorporates

leading edge technology?• Do they offer top quality products that meet or exceed

industry standards? • Do they offer an exact solution that’s designed collaboratively

and is expandable to your future needs?• Will they design a system that will easily integrate to your

existing technology?• Will they thoroughly benchmark the system under conditions

that replicate your intended use?• Do they offer comprehensive post-implementation support?

Thank you!Any questions?

Contact Ace Computers877-ACECOMP/(877-223-2667)

www.acecomputers.com