INDUSTRY

Wales UK Center To Focus on Business, Medical Applications Incubator Runs on IBM High Performance Computing System -- IBM is providing visualization and other software and computing technology to a new $32 million business incubator in Wales, UK that will develop applications for medical research, the oil and gas industries and other business sectors. The Centre for Advanced Software Technology (CAST) in Bangor, northern Wales, will include more than $1.1 million worth of specialist high performance computing equipment based on state-of-the-art IBM IntelliStation graphical workstations, IBM Deep Computing Visualization (DCV) software, a high performance computer cluster, and associated storage. CAST is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's pan-Wales Technium network and has been established with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Objective 1 program. In addition to on-site 3D visualization resources, Technium CAST's clients will be able to collaborate from multiple remote locations simultaneously viewing and interacting using graphically-portrayed data via DCV in "real time." As part of the new solution, which will also be available to University of Wales Bangor, IBM is also providing a Cell Broadband Engine (CBE) development environment to attract students and new business to North Wales. Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks for the Welsh Assembly Government said, "It is a pleasure to see Wales' Technium network growing and continuing to help innovative Wales-based software companies. "This new and significant partnership - and IBM's technical expertise, will seriously enhance Technium CAST's reputation," he added. "Being able to access world-class technologies and facilities will help Wales-based software companies develop innovative software, target global markets and realize their long-term growth potential, whilst taking advantage of the benefits Wales has to offer." Dave Turek, Global Vice President Deep Computing, IBM added, "As a leader in innovative technologies we applaud the initiative of The Welsh Assembly Government in encouraging innovation, which is crucial to future economic success. Our relationship with CAST, which is focused on the development of 3D visualization software, will encourage young software companies to turn innovative ideas into commercial reality." It is envisaged that this investment will see Technium CAST-based companies developing software and integrated hardware solutions for medical research, oil and gas, and other industry sectors. The CBE's outstanding power will mean that companies will benefit from its tremendous performance capabilities.