In the dynamic world of academic research, the need for adaptable, high-performance computing resources is paramount. Brown University, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to innovation, recently undertook a significant transformation of its research computing infrastructure.
Combining the Needs of Enterprise Research and HPC
Redefining how academic research can be conducted more efficiently and effectively in the era of AI.
Industry Higher Education
Use Case HPC
Overview
Video
Brown University
Brown University upgrades research computing with VAST Data Platform, transitioning 80% of HPC data and 40% of enterprise data, totaling 10 petabytes. This scalable solution revolutionizes academic research efficiency amid the AI era.
Background
A few years ago, Brown University's enterprise research and high-performance computing (HPC) operated as distinct entities, each with its own set of clusters. As research methodologies evolved, it became clear that the lines between traditional enterprise research and HPC were blurring. There was an emerging need for a unified data platform that could seamlessly cater to both environments.
Outcome
The solution VAST Data provided was not just another data platform; it was a paradigm shift. The VAST Data Platform emerged as a converging force, combining the needs of enterprise research and HPC into a singular, cohesive platform. This convergence meant that researchers no longer faced the tedious task of moving data between different data platforms and VAST’s granular QoS capabilities mitigated any resource contention. All their data was now accessible in one place, streamlining the process from data upload in computational labs to accessing it through the HPC cluster.
80% of Brown’s HPC data and 40% of its enterprise data have been transitioned to VAST, amounting to a significant scale of 10 petabytes. The data transition continues and is a testament to the platform's scalability and its capability to handle vast amounts of data efficiently. This ongoing evolution signifies not just a technological upgrade but a step towards redefining how academic research can be conducted more efficiently and effectively in the era of AI.
Researchers are finding it very helpful because they don't have to move data now, it's all in one place. They can upload data from computational labs and access it through the HPC cluster.
Amarnath Jasti
Principal Infrastructure Engineer, Brown University