International Business Machines and the University at Albany, State University of New York, announced today (Jan. 25, 1999) the establishment of a state-of the-art supercomputing research facility to support the University�s semiconductor research and development programs and workforce training initiatives.
The first phase of the facility, which will be completed in February 1999, will house a $875,000 high-performance IBM RS/6000 SP supercomputer system. The supercomputer will provide critically needed computing power for university researchers as they confront the daunting science and technology challenges associated with the development of new generations of computer chips.
Funding for the supercomputer was provided equally by an IBM Shared University Resources (SUR) grant and University at Albany matching funds. A primary focus of the facility is to perform advanced modeling work to assess and predict the performance of novel interconnect architectures.
Interconnects are the complex signal-carrying wirings that are universally recognized as the primary technology driver not only in the advancement of computer chip speed and performance, but also in the development and commercialization of advanced high tech products for the information superhighway. These products include faster optical and optoelectronic interconnects for high-speed telecommunications, real-time three-dimensional imaging, and portable, lighter, and more efficient electronic devices for high-resolution display applications.
�We are delighted with the establishment of this advanced computing facility at the University at Albany. The educational, training, and research opportunities that it provides to our faculty, students, and university and industry partners in the region and state are truly unique and exciting,� said University at Albany President Karen R. Hitchcock. �Our partnership with IBM continues to reap significant technical and economic benefits for the University at Albany, the region, and State. These benefits would not have been possible without the significant resources that Governor Pataki, Majority Leader Bruno and Speaker Silver continue to invest in research, workforce development, infrastructure, and manufacturing site readiness to support high tech industry in New York.�
�The microelectronics research at the University at Albany is gaining national and international recognition. The creation of this cutting-edge supercomputer facility at the University illustrates the importance that IBM and the semiconductor industry place on supporting such leading research enterprises. We look forward to expanding our joint initiatives with the university in support of IBM�s technology roadmap and New York State�s economic prosperity,� said John E. Kelly, III, Ph.D., IBM�s Vice President for Server Development.
�This partnership with the University at Albany is a great example of how IBM�s Worldwide Education Industry and IBM Research is collaborating with premier research institutions and leading researchers to advance critical technical achievements and drive economic development. This announcement is the latest example of how research universities such as the University at Albany are playing a key role in New York State�s initiatives to expand its current industrial base, as well as attract new high-tech industry that will drive economic development well into the 21st century,� said Robert Samson, IBM�s Vice President America for Government, Health, and Education Industry. �The advanced interconnect modeling work that will be performed at this Supercomputer Facility as part of our on-going collaborative research with the University at Albany will be of significant importance to our advanced semiconductor interconnect development efforts,� said James Ryan, Ph.D., Senior Manager at IBM Research and lead contact for its industry-university programs.
�The selection of the IBM RS/6000 SP concludes an extensive process to acquire a state-of-the-art supercomputer facility at the University at Albany to address our high-power, high-volume computing and modeling needs,�stated Alain E. Kaloyeros, Ph.D., Professor of Physics and Director of the University�s Center for Advanced Thin Film Technology. �We are extremely pleased with our selection. The advanced capabilities of the RS/6000 will uniquely position our scientists to advance our pioneering research programs, as well as our joint cutting-edge research ventures with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute under the recently-designated Focus Center - New York. We are also excited by the unequaled educational and training opportunities that it provides to the state�s high-tech workforce.�
�The addition of the IBM RS/6000 SP to the University's suite of technology resources will enable our researchers to focus on the design and performance challenges associated with the devices of the future. The significant computing power offered by this tool is critical to the development of next generation interconnect architectures as well as emerging sensor and miniaturized systems technologies. It will help build and expand our partnerships with universities, industries and government agencies,� said James Castracane, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Technology of the University's Center for Advanced Thin Film Technology.
The supercomputer will be located at the University�s Center for Advanced Thin Film Technology, which is headquartered at the Center for Environmental Sciences and Technology Management (CESTM).
IBM Worldwide Education is a unit of IBM, the largest global information technology company in the world. The Worldwide Education Industry provides targeted projects and services to Higher Education and K-12 institutions throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Jan. 25, 1999
University at Albany
State University of New York