ACADEMIA

MUNICH, GERMANY -- The German start-up company out of the University Karlsruhe, ParTec AG, is a leading provider of communication and management software for High Performance Computer Clusters. They gained two important co-operation partners: science + computing AG, Tübingen, and Platform Inc., Toronto, Canada. In April science + computing AG (s + c), Tübingen, and ParTec, Munich, signed a memorandum of understanding. One of the leading German IT-service and software companies, s + c, is their marketing and sales partner. For several years s+c successfully distributes and implements LSF (Load Sharing Facility) of Platform Inc. ParTec's own software, ParaStation3, is complementary to LSF. The s + c co-operation opens ParTec the distribution channels and contacts to well-known customers, for example Siemens, BASF and Hewlett Packard and all German car manufacturers like DaimlerChrysler, VW, BMW or Audi. Additionally s + c will support ParaStation software ond offers system integration and advisory services for their own and common customers. In May, an other big step, ParTec signed an agreement with Platform Inc. The companies had successfully integrated their leading products ParaStation3 and LSF and offers this as a product bundle. Thus they gained maximum stability, performance and administration support. They presented this bundle at CEBIT 2002 in Hannover. The visitors had been convinced by the optimized product properties. There the plans for a common Linux Production Cluster product in cooperation with ParTec, Compaq and Platform, the plans were driven ahead. The other pro of this co-operation is ParTec's easy access to the US-market by Platform and to their customers, e.g. DaimlerChrysler, Pfizer or Bayer. At CEBIT in Hannover IBM showed interest in this bundle. A co-marketing process is in discussion. ParTec AG is an internationally leading provider of communication and management software for High Performance Computer Clusters. Long experience with ParaStation software, worldwide known for its stability, best performance, high availability and easy administration serves as the basis for leading technologies in respect to super-computers for tomorrow. ParTec AG is a spin-off from the University of Karlsruhe and located in Munich. For more information visit http://www.partec.com. -- By Uwe Harms, Harms Supercomputing Consulting,