Pooch 1.6 clustering software leverages Tiger
updated 11:15 am EDT, Wed May 11, 2005
Pooch 1.6 for clustering
Dauger Research has released version 1.6 of (Parallel OperatiOn and Control Heuristic application) and Pooch Pro clustering software today. Leveraging new technologies introduced with "Tiger", the Pooch family introduces new enhancements, including "playlist"-like node lists and network tools, enriching the user experience of supercomputer-compatible cluster computing. A new web interface to Pooch increases the ways users can utilize clustering, making it even easier for users on other platforms to utilize a Mac cluster. The new user-defined node lists allow the user to switch between subnets of the Internet as well as define arbitrary groups of computing nodes.
Users can access multiple networks of nodes in the new Network view and evaluate queued, running, and terminated jobs through Pooch's native interface or via AppleScript. Pooch's Job window features a new Grid job type, easily allowing hte distributed launching of multiple single-processor executables: independent executables not designed for parallel computing can therefore utilize a cluster through Pooch's GUI, according to the company.
Pooch leverages four major Tiger technologies: Pooch includes a new Automator action that enables workflows to initiate cluster activity. A new Dashboard widget, shipping with Pooch, reports the status of and the past, present, and future job activity on the cluster in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Spotlight can search Pooch's job data with a new plug-in. Finally, Pooch makes Xgrid nodes accessible to users through Pooch's award-winning interface.
In addition, Pooch and Pooch Pro can have multiprocessor Macs behave like multiple "virtual nodes". They can can utilize logged-out machines for parallel computing with preexisting resources. Pooch supports all execution environments available on current Apple hardware and supports five distinct implementations of the Message-Passing Interface (MPI). Pooch Pro provides the only easy-to-use GUI-based resource management mechanism, securely encrypting user data about CPU time, job limits, and even rollover minutes, another feature unique to Pooch Pro in the cluster world.
Pooch v1.6 is available for $175 for the first compute node and $125 for each node thereafter. Pooch Pro v1.6 is available for $200 for the first compute node and $150 for each node thereafter.
