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From: "Brad Rutledge" <brad@altatech.com>
To: "lwn@lwn.net" <lwn@lwn.net>
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2000 08:27:53 -0800
Subject: Linux Clusters Powering Genome Research

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Uses Linux NetworX Cluster System for Genome 
Research 
Cluster system offers the computation power, scalability, and price/performance 
required for genome studies

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, Dec. 14, 2000 - Linux NetworX, Inc., a provider of large-scale 
clustered computer solutions for biotechnology, Internet, industry and research 
fields, announced today that Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley 
Calif., has selected a Linux NetworX cluster computer system for its Drosophila 
Genome Project.

Using the Linux NetworX cluster system with 40 processors, Berkeley Lab is analyzing 
and sequencing the Drosophila (fruit fly) genome, the resulting genome data from 
these studies can be used for applications in human genome research, such as 
research into diseases and aging. The Drosophila's 15,000 genes are similar to 
a human's 100,000 genes and have been used extensively in the past as a model 
organism for research studies. 

The massive amount of data computation inherent in genome research requires large 
supercomputers or cluster systems. Cluster technology is a method of linking 
multiple computers, or compute modules, together to form a powerful, unified 
system. Linux NetworX clusters can match the performance of supercomputers for 
a fraction of the cost.

"The Linux NetworX cluster is much more cost efficient than the systems we've 
used in the past," said Erwin Frise, systems manager and biomedical scientist, 
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "Comparing the price/performance of the 
cluster to supercomputers and other options available on the market made Linux 
NetworX the obvious choice for our research."

Frise also explains that because clusters are highly scalable, Berkeley Lab will 
be able to add additional compute modules to the system to keep it up to date, 
something not feasible with a supercomputer. The ability to add additional compute 
modules as demands increase also provides long-term cost savings because the 
Linux NetworX cluster architecture takes advantage of many standard hardware 
components.

"Our clustered systems are a great option for research organizations such as 
Berkeley Lab," said Glen Lowry, president and CEO of Linux NetworX. "Linux NetworX 
provides organizations with complete ready-to-go cluster solutions - allowing 
the customer to focus on what they do best. The biotechnology and genome research 
markets are recognizing the outstanding value Linux NetworX clusters offer over 
other alternatives. We're pleased that our technology is an instrumental component 
in such important scientific endeavors."

About Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, 
California. It conducts unclassified scientific research and is managed by the 
University of California.

About Linux NetworX
Linux NetworX (www.linuxnetworx.com) brings its powerful cluster technology to 
those demanding high-availability and high-performance systems. With the use 
of cluster computer technology, Linux NetworX provides solutions for companies 
with high-computing needs including Internet servers, research, industry, government 
and other technological fields. Through innovative hardware, complete cluster 
management software, service and support, Linux NetworX provides end-to-end clustering 
solutions.

To date, the company has built some of the largest cluster systems in the world 
and has developed unique hardware and versatile software to facilitate overall 
system management. Linux NetworX has offices in Utah, New York, Calif. and Texas 
and worldwide distributors.

About the Linux Operating System
Linux is a computer operating system that is distributed freely on the Internet. 
As an open source project, Linux allows developers to share information, code 
and suggestions to continuously maintain and improve the system. Linux NetworX 
selected the operating system for its stability, reliability and rapid development.

# # #

Linux is a registered trademark owned by Linus Torvalds. All other products, 
services and companies are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective 
owners.

CONTACT:	
Brad Rutledge					 
Linux NetworX										
801-562-1010 ext. 2218				
brutledge@linuxnetworx.com