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Compute Cluster Pack SP1 Arrives

Microsoft announced late last week it is shipping the first service pack for its Compute Cluster Pack.

The Compute Cluster Pack contains the services, interfaces and supporting software needed to create and configure the cluster nodes in Windows Computer Cluster Server 2003, as well as utilities and management infrastructure, according to Microsoft documents online.

Microsoft Compute Cluster Pack Service Pack 1 (SP1) provides improved reliability and performance for Windows compute clusters, a statement accompanying the service pack said.

This service pack provides support for Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Deployment Services. In addition, it supports the Compute Cluster Pack client utilities on computers running Windows Vista.

While Compute Cluster Pack SP1 can be installed on x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003 that have not been upgraded with SP2, Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2003 with SP2 to take advantage of Compute Cluster Pack SP1.

Microsoft's first entry into the high-performance computing arena, Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, shipped last June.

Microsoft's Compute Cluster Pack SP1 is available for download here.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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