VISUALIZATION

Foundry Networks today announced Baylor College of Medicine selected Foundry for an edge-to-core high-performance computing (HPC) solution to power its Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC). Baylor selected Foundry's NetIron MLX Series 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) routers, FastIron Edge X Series and FastIron LS Series Layer 2/3 switches as the high-performance network fabric for its new data center that will be the foundation for future research in the study of genomes or DNA in humans and animals. The Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center (BCM-HGSC) was established in 1996. In 1999, the Center was selected as one of three sites from the pilot program to complete the final phase of the Human Genome Project. The HGSC is also studying the genomic differences that lead to evolutionary changes, the role of host genetic variation in the course of infectious disease and the molecular basis of specific genetic diseases. Baylor's HGSC operates 77 sequencing machines continuously to perform in one day the same amount of DNA sequencing that would have taken a month to complete 10 years ago with more than 99.99 percent sequence accuracy. To manage and support the large data transport between researchers, supercomputers and storage facilities with line-rate, non-blocking performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness, HGSC selected Foundry's high-performance networking solution. To make this networking feat possible, Baylor required a scalable, modular 10GbE data center infrastructure design to meet the HGSC's computing, storage, power and cooling efficiency requirements. As a complete HPC and data center solution, Foundry's NetIron MLX Series routers provide core routing functions and interconnects to HGSC's extensive network; the FastIron Edge X switches deliver enhanced edge capabilities, allowing full use of available bandwidth to maximize data transport effectiveness. Also designed with flexibility in mind, the HGSC's network enables easy scalability and flexibility to quickly adjust to various time-sensitive data processing needs. In addition to the line-rate non-blocking throughput performance of the complete solution, the scalability and line card flexibility of the NetIron MLX Series make it a future-ready and resilient networking solution. This allows the HGSC to maintain the technical requirements for the core researchers and complex technology involved with genome research possible, while providing a clear path for future expansion and emerging application requirements. "As a national leader in medicine and scientific research, Baylor College of Medicine's network infrastructure is a research catalyst and tool for medical innovation," said David Parker, HGSC's manager of systems, Baylor College of Medicine. "It was paramount that we have a highly energy efficient, HPC and data center networking solution that met our demanding criteria. Foundry's edge-to-core networking solution not only provides us wire-speed performance, but allows us scalability, maximum capacity, and power and cooling efficiency." Parker continued, "As our networking requirements change, Foundry's solution allows our network to meet research demands, while benefitting from a compelling value proposition to enable future program and research advancements. Finally, the exemplary service and support sealed our decision to go with Foundry." "Baylor College of Medicine's selection of Foundry's high-performance network fabric validates the importance of implementing a solution that brings a complete suite of performance and value benefits for the customer," said Ken Cheng, vice president and general manager for Foundry's High-End and Service Provider Systems Business Unit. "To continue its ground-breaking research, Foundry delivered HGSC a networking solution with unparalleled performance, industry-leading flexibility, scalability and energy efficiency to continue Baylor's scientific mission and maximize infrastructure investment." To learn more about the BCM-HSGC, visit its Web site.