A cluster refers to a group of individual computers (nodes) - unified by a common system through software and networking - that work together to perform any given computing task. Cluster components are often connected via a high-speed, local area network. Commonly, each node utilizes a Linux operating system and other license-free software that implements parallelism. This is often referred to as a Beowulf cluster.

One of the primary benefits of using a cluster is the increased speed and reliability that is derived from connecting computers together. Clusters are ideal for tasks - such as scientific computations - that are interdependent and can be run separately but allow for interactivity so that computational calculations remain accurate over time.

Clusters don't have to be large to be effective. A cluster can be as simple as two nodes connected with Ethernet or as complex as hundreds of machines using a high-speed interconnect.

Advanced Clustering Technologies' has spent years becoming a cluster expert.  Find out more information about our Apex HPC clusters, or see why so many customers choose to buy from us.