Table 1 provides a quick comparison of some major differences between WCCS and Windows HPC Server 2008.
Table 1. Version Comparison
Feature Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 Windows HPC Server 2008
Operating system Windows Server 2003 SP1 Windows Server 2008
Processor Type X64 (AMD64 or Intel EM64T) X64 (AMD64 or Intel EM64T)
Node Deployment Remote Installation Services (RIS) (Windows
Deployment Services legacy mode) Windows Deployment Services Head Node
Redundancy N/A Windows Failover Clustering and SQL Server Failover Clustering
Management Basic Node and Job Management Integrated node and job management, grouping, monitoring at-a-glance, diagnostics.
Network Topology Network Configuration Wizard Improved Network Configuration Wizard
MS-MPI Winsock Direct-based Network Direct-based. New shared memory implementation for
multicore processors.
Scheduler Command line or GUI Integrated in management console, with support for Windows
PowerShell scripting and legacy command-line UI scripts from version 1. Greatly improved speed and scalability. Support for SOA applications.
Reporting N/A Integrated into management console. Extensibility features allow
using SQL Server Analysis Services for additional analysis.
Monitoring Rely on Windows. No cluster-specific support. Heat map on cluster or node group. Per node charts. Cluster-wide performance overview.
Diagnostics N/A In the box verification tests and performance tests. Store, filter, and
view test results and history.
VALUE PROPOSITION
Value Proposition For customers solving complex computational problems, Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 accelerates time-to-insight by providing a high-performance computing platform that is simple to deploy, operate, and integrate with existing infrastructure and tools.
Target Audience (s) Primary: Engineers, scientists, and analysts among target verticals: manufacturing, financial services, government, and education Secondary: IT professionals, developers
Current
Perceptions UNIX/Linux are de facto standards for technical computing and HPC; Windows is not a serious contender in the HPC market;
Microsoft is not committed to the HPC market.
WCCS is licensed by acquiring a licence for each node (server) in the cluster and for the head node (server). For example, a four-node cluster would need four licences for WCCS. An eight-node cluster would need eight licences for WCCS. This is assuming that one of the servers in the four-or eight-node cluster referenced above is acting as the head node.
Because WCCS is licensed as a server licence, customers do not need incremental Client Access Licences (CALs). Customers who are already running licensed copies of Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition on a cluster may purchase the Microsoft Compute Cluster Pack licence, available separately on the Volume Licence price list.
WCCS is restricted to running only HPC applications.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 considered a Microsoft high-availability solution?
No. ‘High availability’ describes systems designed for fault tolerance. Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 is designed to support scientific and technical high-performance computing applications that take advantage of parallel processing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Windows HPC Site for Solution, Product, Partner, and Technology Resources:
www.microsoft.com/hpc
• Target verticals: public sector (federal or academic), financial services, manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, and others), oil and gas, healthcare (life sciences), and digital content creation (DCC).
• Heavy reliance on Microsoft technologies, such as Active Directory, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Microsoft Office Excel.
Identifying and Qualifying Windows HPC Leads
STEP 1: IS THE CUSTOMER USING HPC?
To determine if your customer is already using HPC in their environment, ask the following questions:
• Do you have any applications that run time-critical or mission-critical computational calculations, or simulations, that use very large datasets? For example, computer-aided engineering
• Does your organisation have any departments that use engineering R&D analysts that use high-end technical workstations?
• Does your organisation use computational finance?
STEP 2: IDENTIFY CUSTOMER PAIN POINTS If your customer is using HPC, proceed to identifying their process and experience pain points by asking them to describe:
• The end-to-end user process, or experience, and the primary challenges related to using HPC applications.
• The high-level developer process, or experience, and the primary challenges related to bringing a new (ISV or custom) HPC application online.
• The high-level IT administrator process, or experience, and the primary challenges related to bringing a new HPC application online.
STEP 3: IDENTIFYING TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Now that you know your customer’s process pain points, you can ask your customer the
following more in-depth questions to identify their technical challenges. Again, these questions are categorised by roles, so you can address specific customer pain points.
HPC System Administrator:
• What do you use for job scheduling, MPI stack, system monitoring and management, and directory services in your HPC infrastructure?
• Do you manage a large HPC system software and middleware stack from multiple different software providers?
• Do you face challenges in deploying, monitoring, and performing system administration on your HPC cluster?
• Are you currently purchasing 64-bit server hardware platforms for HPC clusters or is your HPC hardware lease coming due?
HPC End User:
• Are you constrained in your productivity by slow workstation hardware or small shared servers?
• What are the names and primary functions of your HPC applications (third party, open source, or in-house code)?
• Do you experience issues with signing on, submitting, and monitoring your job status on an HPC cluster?
• Are your workflow and collaboration tools integrated with your HPC environment?
• Is your HPC infrastructure dynamic enough to meet your computing requirements?
HPC Parallel Programmer/Developer:
• What are you using for development tools, debuggers, optimisers, or maths libraries for your HPC applications?
• Are you currently leveraging Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies such as Visual Studio?
• Are you prepared to take advantage of the multicore trends?
What are the key features and benefits of Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003?
The following are key benefits that make Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 preferable to other high-performance computing options.
Simplified Cluster Deployment and Management
WCCS offers rapid node-deployment and cluster configuration, monitoring tools and
policy-based scheduling, which provides a scalable management environment that is easy to use, including:
• Automated setup with minimal prompted user input.
• Setup wizards for networking, remote installation services, node management and cluster security.
• An integrated software stack with a built-in job scheduler and MPI stack to get you up and running quickly.
Better Integration with IT Infrastructure WCCS integrates seamlessly with existing Windows infrastructure, allowing you to leverage existing skills and technology for system and node management, workload management, user management, and security.
For example, WCCS does the following:
• Leverages existing Active Directory deployments to simplify authentication and security setup.
• Leverages Windows Deployment Services (WDS) for rapid deployment.
• Leverages Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) for managing node updates.
• Leverages Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) for system and job management.
• Leverages Microsoft Management Console (MMC) for snap-in system tools.
Broad Application Support
WCCS is supported by leading applications in each target vertical, allowing you to deploy mainstream applications with a broad base of support. An integrated software stack designed and targeted for the high-performance computing market allows developers to build a broad range of applications and tools.
Familiar Development Environment Developing applications for WCCS allows developers to leverage their existing Windows-based skills and experience. Microsoft Visual Studio is the most widely used integrated development environment (IDE) in the industry, and Visual Studio includes support for developing HPC-based applications (for example, parallel debugger). WCCS includes an integrated MPI layer based on the industry-standard MPI2 specification, making it easier to port existing parallel applications.
Cross-Sell Opportunities MOM, SMS, Excel Server
HOW DO I SELL IT?
COMPLEMENTARY SOFTWARE
Microsoft System Center family of products, Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server (MOSS) and Windows HPC together form the basis of Microsoft’s High Productivity offer for HPC workload. Windows-based HPC environments can be managed using enterprise-class features offered by Microsoft System Center, and integration with MOSS enables streamlined end-user workflow.
HOW DO I ORDER IT?
WINDOWS COMPUTE CLUSTER SERVER
OPEN BUSINESS SKUS
Licence L & SA SA
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (both Server OS and Cluster Pack) 73K-00039 73K-00076 73K-00084 Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition (Server OS Only) 73L-00069 73L-00088 73L-00091
Compute Cluster Pack 2003 (Cluster Pack Only) 73M-00208 73M-00285 73M-00293
Open Volume SKUs
Licence L & SA SA
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (both Server OS and Cluster Pack) 73K-00034 73K-00071 73K-00079 Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition (Server OS Only) 73L-00067 73L-00086 73L-00089
Compute Cluster Pack 2003 (Cluster Pack Only) 73M-00203 73M-00280 73M-00288
OPEN VALUE SKUS
Spread Payment Pay Up Front Subscription
L & SA SA L & SA SA L & SA
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (both Server OS and
Cluster Pack) 73K-00088 73K-00105 73K-00092 73K-00109 73M-00302
Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition (Server
OS Only) 73L-00096 73L-00103 73L-00100 73L-00107 N/A
Compute Cluster Pack 2003 (Cluster Pack Only) 73M-00297 73M-00314 73M-00301 73M-00318
MEDIA Doc Kit
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (both Server OS and Cluster Pack) 73K-00184 N/A
Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition (Server OS Only) 73L-00177 N/A
Compute Cluster Pack 2003 (Cluster Pack Only) 73M-00348 N/A
OEM
Media Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 64Bit English ORY OEI 1-4CPU (contains both CDs) 73M-00337 Windows Compute Cluster Edition 2003 64Bit English ORY OEI 1-4CPU (Server Only) 73K-00174
Compute Cluster Pack 2003 64Bit English ORY OEI (Pack Only) 73L-00166
HPC SERVER 2008
OPEN VALUE SUBSCRIPTION
Licence L & SA
HPC Pack 2008 All Lng OLV NL Each Addtl Prod 9TA-00083 9TA-00039
OSL
Licence L & SA
HPC Pack 2008 All Lng MVL A 9TA-00109 9TA-00106
SELECT
Licence L & SA SA
HPC Pack 2008 MVL 9TA-00191 9TA-00189 9TA-00190
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WHAT IS IT? HOW DO I SELL IT?
HOW DO I ORDER IT?
Sales Opportunity No 1:
Sell to users seeking Windows compatibility
Mac users have access to a fraction of the software and devices available to PC users and can run into problems with certain files and networks.
Virtual PC for Mac enables broad access to Windows applications, files, devices and networks.
Sales Opportunity No 2:
Attach to any Office 2004 for Mac sale
Office 2004 provides great compatibility with the Windows versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Virtual PC picks up where Office leaves off by enabling Mac users to run Windows on their Mac and access Microsoft applications like Access, Visio, Project and custom-built enterprise applications that are only available for Windows. For the complete compatibility solution, recommend Office 2004 for Mac Professional Edition, which includes Virtual PC for Mac Version 7.
Sales Opportunity No 3:
Attach to any Mac OS X or hardware sale
Running on OS X gives customers access to the best applications available for the Mac, including Virtual PC for Mac Version 7. Virtual PC 7 is a fully native Mac OS X application that supports the G5 and most recent Mac OS X version 10.4 (Tiger). By adding Virtual PC for Mac Version 7, customers can get even more out of their new Mac.
Sales Opportunity No 4:
Sell to current Virtual PC users and hold-outs
Users of Virtual PC for Mac Version 5, 6 or 6.1 are eligible to upgrade to Virtual PC 7 if they do not need a new licence of Windows (see upgrade information below). Current users of Virtual PC who are in the market for a new Windows operating system are perfect candidates for one of the Virtual PC editions with Windows (Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows 2000 Professional).
Virtual PC 7 Upgrade Eligibility
A customer is eligible to upgrade to: If they have a legally licensed copy of:
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 – Upgrade Virtual PC for Mac Version 5 Virtual PC for Mac Version 6 Who needs what:
Version Virtual PC 7 with Windows
XP Professional Virtual PC 7 with
Windows XP Home Edition Virtual PC 7 with Windows
2000 Professional Virtual PC 7 –
Stand-alone Virtual PC 7 – Upgrade High-level
Description The premier edition for businesses and advanced home users. Offers the most robust communication and
For use with Windows 2000 legacy applications where Windows XP is not an option
For customers who already have their own legally licensed copy of Windows
For customers who currently own Virtual PC for Mac Version 5.0 to 6.1 and want to upgrade to Version 7, but do not need a new licence of Windows What’s
Included Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Windows XP Professional
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Windows XP Home Edition
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Windows 2000 Professional
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 only – does not include Windows
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 upgrade only – does not include Windows Target
Customer Businesses and advanced
home users Home and small business
users Users who operate in
Windows 2000 environments at work, school or home
Businesses and home users who have their own copies of Windows
Users of Virtual PC Version 5 to Version 6.1 Purchase
Driver The need to run PC-only applications designed for Windows XP; features and functionality of Windows XP Professional
The need to run PC-only applications designed for Windows XP; cost, value and simplicity of Windows XP Home Edition
The need to run legacy PC-only applications designed for Windows 2000;
or work in a Windows 2000 environment
Features and functionality in the latest version of Virtual PC; already have Windows licence
Features and functionality in the latest version of Virtual PC;
already have Windows licence and upgrade eligible version of Virtual PC
Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 is the emulation software from Microsoft that enables Mac users to access PC-only software, files, networks and printers – seamlessly and without having to leave their Mac, the platform they know and love best.
So users get improved productivity in their native Mac environment.
Benefits to users are three-fold:
1. Expands the potential of their Mac and what they can do on it.
2. Broadens access to software and devices that would otherwise be unavailable to them on a Mac.
3. Provides a good user experience – Virtual PC for Mac 7 offers better performance and reliability.
Note: Virtual PC is an excellent solution for PowerPC-based Macs. However, it does not run on Intel-based machines.
Virtual PC
Open Business
Licence L & SA SA
Virtual PC 7.0 S65-00622 S65-00580 S65-00576
Open Volume SKUs
Virtual PC 7.0 S65-00600 S65-00578 S65-00574
Open Value SKUs
Spread Payment Pay up Front Subscription
L & SA SA L & SA SA L & SA
Virtual PC 7.0 S65-00732 S65-00735 S65-00730 S65-00737 S65-00793
Media Doc Kit
Virtual PC 7.0 S65-00389 N/A
FPP
Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 – Stand-alone Edition S65-00387 Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 – Upgrade Edition S65-00390
Note: Virtual PC in Volume Licensing does not include the Windows operating system. Windows software must be acquired separately.
VIRTUAL PC
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
www.microsoft.com/mac
Is Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 available in Volume Licensing?
Yes, Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 is available in Microsoft Volume Licensing.
Does the Volume Licensing edition of Virtual PC 7 include a copy of Windows?
No. Volume Licences of Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 do not include a Windows operating system. If volume licensing customers wish to run a Windows operating system on their Mac, they will need to acquire the Windows software separately.
An upgrade to Windows software can be licensed through Microsoft Volume Licensing and can be installed on a Mac running Virtual PC.
Does Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 run on Tiger?
Yes.
Who should use it?
Virtual PC is for Mac users who sometimes need access to Windows-only programs such as Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Access. By using Virtual PC, you can have access to such programs without buying a new computer or giving up your Mac.
Virtual PC also provides access to peripheral devices you might not be able to use otherwise, such as printers or scanners that don’t run on the Mac.
What’s new in Virtual PC for Mac Version 7?
Customers can look forward to key enhancements with Virtual PC 7, including compatibility with the Macintosh G5, as well as performance and usability improvements.
What operating systems can I run it with on my Virtual machine?
Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 comes with your choice of the following supported operating systems: Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition and Windows 2000 Professional. Note: If you install an unsupported operating system, such as Windows 98, some features do not work. For example, Virtual Machine Additions cannot be installed on a virtual machine that is running on a non-supported operating system.
Does Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 run on the new Intel-based Macs?
No. Virtual PC is still the best emulation solution for users who have a PowerPC-based Mac, but it does not run on Intel-based Macs.
Microsoft is working with Apple to determine the feasibility of developing Virtual PC for Intel-based machines.
What are the Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 system requirements?
To use Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7, users need:
• 700 MHz native* PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor**
• Mac OS X version 10.2.8-10.4; Mac OS X version 10.3 is required for the Power Mac G5
• CD-ROM drive
• 512 MB of RAM
• 3 GB of available hard-disk space
• 1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor displaying thousands of colours
*Upgrade cards and accelerators are not supported.
**Virtual PC does not run on Intel-based Macs.
VIRTUAL PC
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WHAT IS IT?
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (SP1) has the built-in capabilities that give you the protection your company demands, access anywhere your end users want and the operational efficiency you need.
• Built-in Protection for the Company