DaimlerChrysler has purchased 108 dual-processor Linux workstations from IBM to run car-crash simulations, highlighting the spread of the low-cost "cluster" supercomputer technique beyond the academic domain.
The Chrysler division will use the workstations to create computer simulations of wrecks, an expensive task because of the mammoth calculation requirement, but still a way to save money compared with building and destroying prototype vehicles. In addition to the computers, IBM will provide storage systems and will install the collection, the companies plan to announce Monday.
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