EKA...The Story Continues

When I did the supercomputer EKA story last month, which was published on 30 June, I had no inkling that the affair will take me to places. But that has happened.

It so happened that I stubmled upon the new list of fastest 500 supercomputers in the world somewhere in June. I followed the matter because EKA, created by Computational Research Laboratory in Pune, had slided in the new list to the eighth place while it had stood at fourth place just six months ago. After communicating with the company, I managed to get some quoters. Based upon that, I gave the news report which appeared in the 30 June issue of Pune Mirror. The story run something like this :

Some generous help from US government and the theoretical calculations has taken EKA down in the world list. But the lab is determined to regain the position.

The International Supercomputing Conference held recently at Dresden, Germany unveiled new list of top 500 fastest supercomputer in the world. Though EKA has given a performance of 132.8 Teraflops, it has been ranked at the 8th position in the new list.EKA, developed by the city based CRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Ltd., was ranked fourth supercomputer in November 2007 in SC07, the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis at Reno, Nevada, USA.

EKA uses nearly 1800 computing nodes. Last year, it had a peak performance of 170 Teraflops (TFlops or Trillion Floating Point Operations per Second) and a sustained performance of 120 Teraflops based on the LINPACK benchmarks which are used by the world-wide community to rank supercomputers based on performance.

Reacting on this development, Harsha Ramchandra, spokesperson for CRL said, “We have improved our rating to 132.8 Teraflops solely through software upgrade. This means that our system performance has grown practically but it has not grown theoretically. We are planning to build a bigger system which will improve our ranking. While ranking is important, it is not our end-all.”

She told Pune Mirrror, “In fact, our main emphasis is on scaling applications which will effectively utilise the computing power of EKA. This is a difficult problem but we will be able to tackle it because of our proven expertise in software and our domain knowledge of a range of applications. Once we do this scaling, we will be able to solve several "grand challenge" problems in various application domains. It is this activity which will benefit users of HPC and so this is what we will focus on.”

EKA includes nodes and racks built by Hewlett Packard (HP Cluster Platform 3000 BL460c system) which uses high speed quad-core Clovertown processors from Intel Corp. and Dual Data Rate Infiniband switches from Mellanox Corp. and Voltaire Corp.

Meanwhile, industry sources attributed this slide down of the supercomputer to the active support given by US government. While all the supercomputers in the US have come from the government funded labs, EKA was a product of privatley funded lab. After scientists in the US demanded to increase the funding from government, they got it. It has resulted in the top five slots being occupied by the US supercomputer with fastest supercomputer achieving a performance of 1.026 petaflop/s.

--------------------

Now, yesterday I, alongwith other media persons of course, got an invitation that C. Ramadorai, chairman of CRL will address a media meet. It was really a very lerning meet. We got to see complicated and large structure of EKA. I again reported on that which runs like this :

The fastest super computer in Asia and eighth fastest in the world, EKA, runs on the Linux operating system. That is keeping in with the procedure followed by most of the supercomputers all over the world, including top 500 supercomputers. Officials of the Computation Research Laboratory, which has developed EKA say that this system offers more stability hence it is an obvious choice.

C. Ramadorai, chairman of CRL, who was in Pune to give an update on EKA, informed that CRL's performance was enhanced from 117.6 teraflops in November 2007 to 132 teraflops at present on the basis of software upgradation. This has been done on the basis of Linux operating system which offers more stability for complicated computations, which are necessary for a supercomputers. At present, CRL has ported various applications like Computer Aided Engineering, Computational Finance, Information Security, Atmospheric Sciences, Animation and Rendering, Seismic information. Linux offers most reliability for such types of applications.

N. Seetha Rama Krishna, another high official from CRL said that most of the supercomputers all over the world use Linux for their operations. All MPI enabled applications are run on this platform. There are 14,400 cores in 1800 blades in the laboratory and there are dual quad-core Intel processors in each blade. Therefore keeping with the world practise, CRL is using Linux. The management software stack of the EKA is a mix of open source and commercial software.

Giving information about the EKA cluster, Krishna said it is housed in octagonal structure which facilitates easy cooling for the super computer. It has 65 racks and server floor area is 4000 sq. ft. The air conditioning capacity is 350 ton and in terms of power consumption, EKA is 10 to 15 percent more efficient than other super computers in the world.

Animation Within Hours

CRL is also eyeing animation sector for the applications on EKA. Giving details about the move, Dr. Rajesh Lagu said, "At present, animation movies are sequence of images rendered from computer models. They are set in motion through series of frames. Using EKA, the time for processing such images can be substantially reduced. It can also be used for Rendering which means process of calculating effects in a video editing file to produce final video output. Softwares like Maya and Renderman can be used effectively for this purpose. By doing so, we can make an animation film within a month which otherwise could take one year."

Ranking Doesn't Matter

Speaking on the subject of sliding down in world ranking of super computers, C. Ramadorai said CRL is not really interested in the ranking but to put EKA for more and more into use by developing various applications. "The power of the system is not in ranking but in applications," he said.

He said that CRL did not expect that EKA will stand fourth fastest in the world. "After that, governemnt labs in US approached government and got their fundings increased. But for us, this is a private corporate enterprise. Therefore without partaking in any race for the numbers, we are focusing on applications."

EKA in a Nutshell

Peak Performance : 172 Terabytes

Sustained Performance : 132.8 Teraflops

Total Memory : 28 Terabytes

Storage : 80 Terabytes with 5.2 GB per second throughput

Interconnect : 20 GBPS Infiniband DDR

Cabling : 45 Kms (10 Km electrical, 15 Km Infiniband, 10 Km Ethernet)

Read More

A two million Euro question

When one of the two 612 Scagliettis was going under hammer at the Fiorano Circuit in Maranello, Italy on 18 May, a city based Non-Governmental Organisation had little inkling that it will reap the widfall. But the car sold for EUR 220,000 which from that auction will be donated to the Centre for Learning Resources, run by Dr. John Kurien and to top it all, the donation has come on the recommendation from Tata Trust. Surprisingly, the NGO is tightlipped about the proceeds and does not want to react on the honour.

Ferrari had conducted a Magic India Tour of two 612 Scagliettis, the company’s flagship GT model cars which lasted from 25 February to 8 May. One of those two cars were sold in the auction conducted by RM auctions and Sothbey’s in Italy. The auction was noted for the world record it created by selling Ferrari California Spyder 1961, which belonged to actor James Coburn, for the surprising amount of 7.04 billion euros (11 million dollars). The 612 Scagliettis was at the third position and received EUR 2,20,000 (Rs. 1,48,76,868.896) as price.

When the reports of the donation surfaced, Pune Mirror had contacted CLR for the reaction. But the NGO said that they have not received any official communique from the auction house or Ferrari and as such they were unable to say anything on the subject.

When asked about the confusion, Mariella Mengozzi, spokesperson for Ferrari told Pune Mirror, "Yes, there was some miscommunication on account of which this confusion has been created. RM auctions has sold the car in auction. They are waiting for the payment from the buyer and as soon as the payment is received, the money will be given to CLR."

Giving further details, Mengozzi said, "As the trusted partner of Ferrari in India, the company had asked Tata Trust for the worthy organisations in India to donate the money. CLR was chosen on the recommendation from Tata Trust, which is headed by chairman Ratan Tata."

Mengozzi also forwarded the correspondence between CLR head Dr. Kurien and Ferrari Communication department officer Gabriel Lalli in which it is explicitly stated that CLR is to get the money definitely. Even after this correspondence, Dr. Kurien preferred to not to comment saying that they will come with official statement only after getting the money.
-------------------
About CLR
According to CLR website, the CLR is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO). It is working in early childhood care and development and elementary education since 1984 in Maharashtra and other states in India.
As a technical support organisation in the field of Early Childhood Care and Development and Elementary Education, we are committed to working in collaboration with all those engaged in understanding and meeting this challenge.
------------

(Published on 5 July)

Read More

Salute to Martyrs: After 150 years

Some 200 martyrs who lost their lives without any trace in the far away waters of Andaman will now be venerated in a different manner. Through an initiative from a city based organisation, the clay of the earth where the corpses of the martyrs were left to rot some 150 years ago, will be dissolved in the waters of Arabian sea on 9 th August.

Maharashtra Pradesh Swatantrya Sainik Mahasangh (Maharashtra Freedom Fighters Federation) has organised the program in Mumbai where the Kalash bearing the earth of Rock Island in Andaman Islands will be flown in Arabian Sea. In the British Raj, around 200 freedom fighte

rs from the state lost their lives in Andaman. The bodies of the martyrs were thrown from the rock where the island is situated. Veteran socialist leader from Mumbai, Madhu Adelkar has collected this earth after an extensive research and five trips to the islands. He has also collected the information regarding the martyrs.

Adelkar told Pune Mirror, "After the unsuccessful mutiny of 1857, East India Company and thereafter British government sent many freedom fighters to Andaman. They had sent five boats carrying 700 people. These people were sent for life meaning they were never meant to return. I managed to get names of 375 martyrs who lost their lives during their imprisonment. After searching the details, I found out whereabouts of these people. They were all students and youths who were sent because government was afraid of them."

Adelkar found out that there were 211 martyrs from Maharashtra who left this world without last rites. "With the help from a Burmese guide, I could find the rock from where the bodies of the martyrs were thrown on the island. So I thought why we should not give the respect to them which they deserve. There was no information on these martyrs for 150 years and this is the first time it has brought to light. Accordingly, we have arranged this function wherein the the earth will be flown in the sea by the hands of veteran freedom fighters," said Adelkar.

Informing about the function, Prabhakar Gupte said, "We will take out a procession of the Kalash on 9th August. We will do a pooja and after offering the tributes to the martyrs, it will be brought to Goregaon Chowpaty. Veteran socialist leader and ex-minister Prabhakar Kunte and Mrinal Gore will attend this program. The main object of this program is to bring about awareness about the Andaman martyrs among students. For this reason, we have arranged competitions in the schools in Mumbai also which will go on till August."
------------------

Read More

An Interview with Dr. R. A. Mashelkar

"I received the Maharashtra Bhushan by Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2005. Before me, Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar were the receipients. We all were Maharashtrians. But after me, Ratan Tata received it which was a noble gesture by state government. It showed the spirit of this state. But now, some people are bent on denying entry to people from other state. It hurts so much to see their limited agenda," said Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, a distinguished scientist on the present conditions.

Elaborating on the uniqueness and greatness of his beloved city, Pune, Dr. Mashelkar touched on some subjects that were close to his heart. After a story appeared in Pune Mirror some two months ago, (Small Lungs Choking, 9 May) he expressed his concern publicly about the state of affairs in Pune. Still, he says the city is exploding with growth, for which he has outline 'My Dream of 'My Pune'. In an exclusive chat with Pune Mirror, Dr. Mashelkar outlined his take on some subject:

On Pollution

The extreme seriousness of pollution level in Pune was brought to our notice when I was heading the committee which prepared National Auto Fuel Policy five years ago. Originally, we had planned just seven cities but on my insistence, Pune was included the list of the cities where implemention Euro norms was prescribed immediately. I was so alarmed by the result of the study on pollution in Pune. Though the norms have been implemented, we have an issue of old vehicles plying on the road. Situation has not improved much since then. We should be worried.

This is an issue which concerns our future generations.

On Growth

Pune is not expanding, it is explosing. So much development is taking place in every sphere that we are falling short of infrastructure. The growth is taking place, the only issue is that it should take place in planned manner and after taking everybody in confidence. People in Pune are more cultured, educated and aware. Therefore even some problems like reducing greenary, water pollution have arisen, innovative approach by the people themselves it less harmful compared to other cities. In some cases, like river pollution, we have all technologies and methods with us and no new technologies are required. Only the regulatory body (Pune Municipal Corporation) should utilise those technologies fully.

On Pune Model

Pune Model, which is basically about zero load shedding, is a unique experiment. I commended Pradeep Bhargav and Shantanu Dixit, who have made it possible because for whole of India, a total of 40,000 MW of captive power can be generated. Looking at what is happening in New Delhi for getting 20,000 MW of power from Nuclear power generation, this amount assumes significance. This model will be followed all over India, only it has to be highlighted more. I am glad that this model is developed in Pune.

This model is also assumes significance because it is based on differential pricing. It is priced more to those who use more electricity. We have to emulate this basis for all the services in the country considering the diversity of consumer profile of these services.

On Team Spirit

I have always worked and thought in the trerms of Team spirit. Whether it be at Council of Scientific and Industrial search ot here in National Chemical Laboratory, I was looking to develope that work culture. It should be Team Pune, Team Maharahstra and thereafter Team India.

-------------

My Dream of 'My Pune'-Dr. Mashelkar

• I love Pune. I have often said that I would like to have the last day of my life in this great city only.
• To me it is a city, where a glorious past meets tyhe challenging present to create a great future, like no other city in India does.
• Pune is a sacred place for knowledge pilgrimage, but it must understand the rue meaning of Knowledge Economy. We must bring knowledge (Sarawati) and Economy (Lakshmi) together and create new Indian 'Sillicon Valleys' of the 21st century in Pune.
• Pune must look at environment, enlightenment, ethics and equality. Puen must become not only the knowledge capital, cultural capital, educational capital but also the ethical capital.
• Pune should become a model of 'sustainable consumption' that the world is looking for.

Read More

A Meeting With French IT Journalist

He is here on a mission : to find out the work culture and secrets of success of Information Technology companies in India. He is also here to find out why European companies are not a part of them as also how much chance they stand to enter the market. Besides the oft repeated reason of linguistic barrier, he also sights one reason why European IT companies are not present in large number in India : the lack of data security.

Valéry Marchive, Editor At Large of LeMagIT, a French trade magazine dedicated to European IT sector is on a study tour of Indian IT companies. he started his sojourn from Pune on Monday when he visited KPIT Cummins at Hinjwadi. After that he also visited CapGemini and Tata Consultancy Services. Valéry also has a meeting scheduled with French Economic Mission in New Delhi. He is currently visiting and studying various companies based on which a full series will appear in his magazine from around September.

When asked what he has found about the companies, Valéry said though he was impressed with the working of the companies and especially its staff, he has yet to form any substantive opinion on the same. He told what he thought was the reason for very less number of French IT companies in India. "People in France are very poor in English. That is one reason why they fail to reach out to Indian companies. As an IT pro, I know many US and British companies have set up their offices in India. Compared to it, French companies have minimal presence. Another reason is that of data security issue. India is still perceived as a potential unsafe country in terms of data security. In France or any other European country, personal data is still perceived as critical and its safety is considered a priority issue."

Express Transaction
Elaborating on this issue, Valéry gave an example of how transaction can be risky in India. The incident took place just a week ago. "When I was scheduling my travel in India, I was booking flights to and from various cities from Jet Airways and Indian Airlines company's official websites. After six of my flights were booked, seventh flight could not be booked because I was told my American Express card has been blocked. When I enquired with the card company, I got a shock when I was told that large transactions of money are being done from my card in a single day. Since the transactions originated in India, American Express thought it safe to block the card, as India is seen as unsafe by the company," he said.

Mixed Bag Pune
Asked about the impressions of Pune, Valéry said, "This city reminds me of a south Italian town two decades ago. It is slow but also it has many companies and lot of young people. Girls here seem pretty, too. But I am amazed at the contrast of the life here. In Mumbai, I visited Goregaon East where I was surprised to find computers even in small huts. Here I asked some people how can they talk of high speed Internet when they do not have electricity itself. The people answered me that for Internet, they are not dependent on computers. They get it on their mobile handsets."

Meanwhile, Valery is blogging his way in India at http://blogs.lemagit.fr/ . He is writing about the India and Indian people as also IT companies.

Read More

DRY DAYS AHEAD!

As the half of monsoon season has passed without bringing any substantial rain, people are demanding of repeat of artificial rain experiment. Even though the situation seems sufficient to do so, scientists are saying otherwise. It means that for city, the dry days are ahead.

Almost one and half month has passed since the onset of monsoon in Maharashtra. In the period, a total of 172 mm. of rainfall has been recorded in the city. According to India Meteorological Department data, the accumulated seasonal rainfall in Pune sub-division since 1 June to 13 July was 100 to 200mm. while the normal readings are 200 to 400 mm. It is put in the deficient rainfall category which means the rainfall are 20 to 59 percent below normal. For the city itself, the rainfall has been 38 mm below the normal. Besides Pune, many parts of the state are reeling under the scarcity of rains.

According to Dr. Medha Khole, Director, IMD, Pune, "Even though clouds are gathered in the sky, they require semantic situations like trough, pressure to cause rainfall. The elements which cause rains in Maharashtra are low pressure belt in the bay of Bengal and Off-shore trough on the western sea shore. No such situation is envisaged immediately therefore rains are hardly predicted." Dr. Khole said that even though Met department issues forecasts for three or four days, forecasts for 48 hours are found accurate."

Demands for artificial rain has been growing from various quarters as a solution to this problem. But meteorological experts are not sure. Dr. A. B. Mujumdar, Deputy Director General of Meterology (Weather Forecasting), IMD Pune said, "We do not have sufficient data to say that the artificial rain experiment will be useful. We do not know whether the seeding (spreading of chemicals from special aeroplanes) will be effective in the experiment. There has to be data to support such an idea. Unless this data is there, the experiment will be pointless."

According to Dr. Mujumdar, the artificial rain experiment is a continuos process and it can not bring results in isolated incidences. "People are desperate now to have rains that is why they are making demands. Where is the data to prove that last experiment in 2004, named PrakalpVarsha was successful."

Dr. J. R. Kulkarni, Scientist E at Indian Institute of Tropical Meterology said, "To have rains, clouds are necessarily required. But they should have specific properties. We have to determine whether the seeding will have effect for which radars are required. It will take time as radars have to come, a suitable agency to carry out the experiments has to be found out." All these things depend on whether the state government contacts IITM, which had helped government four years ago to carry out PrakalpVarsha.

According to Dr. Kulkarni, IITM had carried out the experiments in artificial rains for elevan years ago. This was twenty years ago. But now many a situations have altered so experiments have to be carried out again.

Read More