The Apple
Workgroup Cluster for Bioinformatics provides a faster, easier and
lower-cost path to scientific discovery. You’ll get rapid access to
data analysis with minimal administrative burden in one comprehensive,
industry-leading solution. All starting at $27,999.
Do-It-Yourself Cluster
You don’t have to be a computer scientist to set up a fully functioning
UNIX-based computational cluster. Apple has assembled the parts you
need in one easy-to-set up, easy-to-use cluster powerhouse. In about 30
minutes you’ll be ready to run BLAST, HMMER, fasta and more from a
powerful, easy-to-use Web interface — the setup process installs over
200 bioinformatics applications on your cluster.
Scalable Research Tools
BioTeam’s iNquiry provides the tools — you provide the hypothesis. iNquiry provides the open-source software most often used by today’s bioinformaticians. Many tools, such as BLAST and HMMER, use the G5’s Velocity Engine for vastly improved performance over most other processors. iNquiry’s powerful Web interface lets you share your cluster with other researchers in your organization (or keep it to yourself). Since it’s open source, you can even add your own applications, too.
 Industry-standard Platform
In addition to the open source tools you’re accustomed to using, the entire cluster infrastructure is based on open standards and open source. Darwin, the open source foundation for Mac OS X Server, is derived from rock solid BSD. Your cluster relies on the well-respected Sun Grid Engine for distributed resource management.
All-inclusive Hardware
Each Apple Workgroup Cluster for Bioinformatics includes an Xserve G5 head node with 750GB storage, an Asanté gigabit Ethernet switch for fast, reliable communications and an APC Smart-UPS uninterruptible power supply for added protection. Plus you get your choice of up to 15 Xserve G5 Cluster Nodes with up to 8GB of error correcting RAM — that’s up to 32 processors running at 2.0GHz. 2, 4 and 8 node clusters feature the XtremeMac Xrack Pro, a sound-suppressing enclosure that lets you place your cluster just about anywhere. The Xserve Service Parts Kit lets you be self-sufficient, minimizing potential downtime.
Organic Growth at Affordable Pace
Xserve G5 provides a 64-bit computing environment that meets your needs
now and into the future. As your research expands, so can your cluster.
When you place a new Xserve in your rack and connect it to the network,
it will automatically copy the software and configuration files it
needs, reboot and join the cluster with the press of a button. In
short, you’ll spend less time and money tinkering, and more time and
energy doing what you love: your research. |
Freedom to Focus on Your Research
As with any Mac OS X Server-based system, the Apple Workgroup Cluster for Bioinformatics fits easily into existing IT infrastructure. An easy-to-follow online setup guide walks you through the hardware installation process. Then, iNquiry handles the installation, configuration and distribution of all of the software — even Mac OS X Server itself — so you may not even need to ask for IT help. Among its powerful tools, iNquiry includes:
- BLAST
- fasta
- HMMER
- EMBOSS
- glimmer
- clustal_w
Support When You Need It
The included AppleCare Premium Service and Support Plan provides telephone and e-mail support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Apple will even dispatch a specialist for on-site service at no additional charge, if necessary. Best of all, your Apple hardware and software are covered for a full three years after the purchase of your cluster, so you’ll never be on your own. (BioTeam provides support to get you up and running on iNquiry; BioTeam offers software updates and extended coverage for iNquiry with additional support packages. Ask your sales representative for details.) |
