Microsoft and Cray to unveil $25,000 Windows-based supercomputer

Microsoft and Cray are set to unveil on September 16 the Cray CX1, a compact supercomputer running Windows HPC Server 2008.

The pair is expected to tout the new offering as "the most affordable supercomputer Cray has ever offered," with pricing starting at $25,000.

In a September 15 posting to the Windows Server blog, Softie Tina Couch noted:

"It’s high performance and productivity computing that meets the needs of users, IT pros and developers by providing a highly integrated, familiar environment that is the right size and price for departmental and workgroup needs. The CX1 combines compute, storage, and visualization in a single integrated system that’s designed for non-traditional environments like labs, offices. If space is a problem, not to worry, it’s compact enough to fit in a broom closet.

"How can you get one?! It’s as easy as shopping on Amazon.com.  Customers can go online, order the CX1 system using a configurator and pay with credit card."

Microsoft's official launch of Windows HPC (High Performance Computing) Server 2008 is slated for September 22 in New York City. Windows HPC Server 2008 is the high-end SKU of Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 family. Microsoft is positioning the product as an alternative to Linux, which has gained a solid following in the high-end computing market.

In other Windows Server news, Microsoft released to manufacturing on September 15 its mid-range Windows Server offering, known as Windows Essential Business Server. General availability of EBS (codenamed "Centro") kicks off on November 12. General availability of Windows Small Business Server 2008 (codenamed "Cougar") also commences on November 12.