Next Scyld Release

[Donald Becker]

On Fri, 20 Jul 2001, David Vos wrote:

> Is they system being released under open source, or is it only available
> as the boxed set? I would love to be able to order a $10 CD from
> www.linuxcentral.com to have a look at it.

It's Open Source, but the Professional version is available only on the
regular price schedule.

We will be releasing an updated basic edition in a few weeks, perhaps
even in time for Linux World Expo.

> I really couldn't figure out what all of the advantages were of the
> Professional vs. the Basic Edition.

The lower-end editions are targeted to smaller, personal clusters, while
the professional/enterprise edition is has features for larger clusters
and remote administration.  For example, the basic edition has an
X-based GUI that defaults to drag-and-drop to activate individual
compute nodes.  The professional version defaults to automatic addition
of compute nodes and provides an optional web-based administration tool.
Both provide the Scyld-enhanced BeoMPI based on MPICH.  The basic
version includes extended Ethernet device support, while the
professional edition adds Myrinet (and a planned addition of SCI support).

> Do you know of any academic pricing?  I don't know if we have much of a
> budget available.  Lots of people on this list would be interested.

As mentioned in another reply, yes.  Remember, it's academic pricing,
for institutions whose primary role is teaching.  Research centers
should refer to the regular price list.

> I can understand charging for the system, since it is geared to larger
> installations -- not the pile of junk in my basement.  You need to turn a
> profit on all of your work.  I've always felt bad using this list as a
> Scyld support list.

We hope the list remains focused on Beowulf development topics.  The
list is a good place to ask technical questions, but not introductory or
product marketing questions.  We recognize that the list loses its value
if it becomes Scyld-question-de-jour, but for now it's the only
no-charge support channel.


Donald Becker				becker at scyld.com
Scyld Computing Corporation		http://www.scyld.com
410 Severn Ave. Suite 210		Second Generation Beowulf Clusters
Annapolis MD 21403			410-990-9993