Yesterday, Cray, the self-described “supercomputer company” officially moved into the personal computing realm when it announced it’s new personal supercomputer, the CX1.
For years, supercomputers have been considered indispensable for large corporations. For example, using supercomputers, Boeing was able to reduce by seven-fold (from 77 to 11) the number of aircraft wings it needed to physically construct for its new “787” Dreamliner before finding the right one. In much the same way, the automotive industry has used supercomputing to help it reduce from 5 years to 18 months the time it takes to move a new automobile design from the drawing board to the showroom floor.
The relevance of Cray’s news is that now a number small and medium-sized businesses will be able to similarly avail themselves of the power of supercomputers. And what might these supercomputers help businesses do? Excellent question.
The best way to answer that is by providing some recent examples of companies using supercomputing:
1. Pringle’s has used supercomputers to help redesign the shape of its iconic potato chip so that it flies off the assembly line and into the can in a faster and more efficient manner.
2. Proctor & Gamble used a supercomputer to redesign its Pamper’s diaper brand.
3. Ping used supercomputers to redesign its latest golf clubs; and
4. Whirlpool has used a supercomputer to both redesign its packaging as well as revise its forklifts so that they no longer scratch and dent the equipment.
Of course, these are but a few examples. Oil and gas companies are using supercomputers to improve their search for hidden deposits and reserves; and financial services are using the tool for more comprehensive asset planning and wealth management.
But even these applications are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Supercomputing technology is rapidly moving downstream. If you want to “jump the curve,” you need to consider today how a supercomputer can help you remain competitive tomorrow.
