Operating system for supercomputers and high performance computing

The operating system for supercomputers and high-performance computing must be able to provide the necessary facilities for resource management, program execution, and communication with other services. Some operating systems suitable for this purpose include:

• Linux: As an open-source and customizable operating system, Linux is very suitable for running various applications in cloud environments. Some popular Linux distributions for this purpose include CentOS, Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and SUSE. Linux is a popular choice for supercomputers and high-performance computing due to its high stability, security, and flexibility. Also, its large developer community provides excellent support for this operating system. Linux’s open-source nature allows for deep customization and optimization for specific hardware and workloads common in supercomputing.
• Windows Server: Windows Server is also one of the options used for cloud environments, especially for businesses that use Microsoft technologies. Windows Server is suitable for providing web services, databases, and business applications. Although Linux is more common in supercomputers, Windows Server is also used in some cases, especially in environments integrated with other Microsoft products. While not as prevalent in traditional supercomputing, Windows Server’s strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem makes it a viable option for hybrid cloud deployments involving high-performance computing.
• VMware ESXi: This proprietary operating system is specifically for virtualization environments that allow running virtual machines in supercomputers. VMware ESXi is widely used due to its high performance and various features for managing virtual machines. This operating system is specifically designed for server virtualization and provides centralized resource management. ESXi is a bare-metal hypervisor, meaning it runs directly on the hardware, providing excellent performance for virtualized workloads in cloud environments.
• OpenStack: OpenStack is an open-source project for building, managing, and scaling supercomputers. This project uses a combination of various technologies and tools to provide a suitable operating system for supercomputers. OpenStack allows organizations to create and manage their private and public clouds. OpenStack is not a traditional operating system in the same way as Linux or Windows Server. It is a cloud operating system that manages pools of computing, storage, and networking resources, making it suitable for building Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) clouds.

Each of these operating systems has its own capabilities and features, and choosing the best operating system for cloud environments and high-performance computing depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. Factors such as the type of applications to be run, security needs, the technical team’s familiarity with the operating system, and the budget are influential in choosing the appropriate operating system.

In summary:

• For raw performance, customizability, and a vast ecosystem in traditional supercomputing, Linux is the dominant choice.
• For hybrid cloud environments heavily integrated with Microsoft products, Windows Server can be considered.
• For robust server virtualization in cloud environments, VMware ESXi is a strong option.
• For building and managing private and public IaaS clouds, OpenStack is a powerful framework.

The choice ultimately depends on the specific use case and organizational requirements.