| | JUNE 20169CIOReviewIt is thrilling to watch highly efficient computing accelerate scientists' ability to determine errors in cellular processes that lead to diseaseshybrid system with the flexibility to work locally and virtually. In early 2015, our team began implementing a HPC hybrid system that would include three key components--Bright Computing Cluster Manager with OpenStack software;43 compute nodes, representing 1100 CPU cores, provided by Silicon Mechanics; and parallel (GPFS) storage supplied by Data Direct Networks. The new system needed to be implemented within a few months--a timeline that would be unreasonable for most large universities or big businesses looking to accomplish the same type of transition.We are talking about the difference between turning a cruise ship and a speed boat. Although larger organizations would benefit from new approaches, they often are slowed down by established processes and existing equipment. The Institute is very nimble--our structure allows us to transition quickly with no major engineering changes.A Smooth ImplementationThe hybrid HPC cluster and private cloud went live in September 2015,with very few changes from the initial plan to the final implementation. A near flawless execution was important because even small issue could mean the delay of important research.Because VAI scientists expect future research to be even more data intensive, the system was designed and built with the flexibility to easily bolt on additional resources.Cloud-based and cluster-based users at the Institute are now operating simultaneously in a hardware environment that allows for fast access to very large data sets. Administrators also have clear visibility of the Institute's local cloud and can easily fine-tune the user mix as needed.We made strategic decisions when executing this HPC hybrid system in order to keep computational accessibility at the forefront. Although others use public cloud providers, a local solution was the best choice for us because of our high-volume instruments and exabyte-scale inter-node traffic. With our current hybrid approach, we enjoy the benefits of local infrastructure while still having the flexibility and ease of use that cloud computing provides.Big Data Making a Big ImpactThis HPC solution is accelerating research at the Institute. VAI scientists are able to analyze data in new ways and expedite the process of transforming hypotheses into advances in medicine that can ultimately save lives. The system also allows research teams to do more calculated work by giving them the time and ability to cross validate data. Thoroughness and precision in completing data analysis, in turn, facilitates more accurate laboratory testing.Because we're not paying per hour or based on frequency of access for computing power, our scientists have more freedom to test and explore biological systems more thoroughly and investigate hypotheses in more efficient ways. It is thrilling to watch highly efficient computing accelerate scientists' ability to determine errors in cellular processes that lead to diseases.This hybrid HPC solution significantly shortens data processing time and enables the development of new ways to manipulate and visualize big data. As data analysis techniques evolve, VAI looks to channel the power of diverse, multimodal biological information into powerful research directions, and provide incredible opportunities for our scientists to have a lasting impact on the future of human health. ""
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