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Strategic Relationship Between CCT and Cisco
In the Spring of 2004, The Center for Computation & Technology (CCT) at LSU signed a memorandum of understanding with San Jose-based router manufacturer, Cisco Systems. The two entities intend to develop business and technology research opportunities, specifically those dealing with connecting supercomputing resources across international grids. The company's interest stems from LSU's 1024 processor supercomputer, called SuperMike. The memorandum provides LSU access to Cisco's research programs, such as the Cisco University Research Program and the Cisco Applied Research and Development Program. These international, award-granting programs offer potential research collaborations between the CCT and Cisco regarding such issues as the implementation of the Louisiana statewide network. Cisco and CCT researchers are currently seeking out additional research topics of interest to both parties. "This memorandum will foster collaboration between LSU and Cisco and should enable research that neither organization could undertake on its own," Brian Ropers-Huilman, manager of High Performance Computing for CCT, said. "The memorandum serves the needs of both organizations, allowing for the open exchange of ideas and development." In return, Cisco's representatives have agreed to brief CCT on its current research and offerings related to computer science. CCT's feedback will affect Cisco's product design, as well as evaluate the potential for long-term research relevant to the support of grid networking.
The research projects currently using the computing power of SuperMike also help Louisiana's economy. SuperMike has helped researchers model various science and engineering problems at unbelievable speeds. For instance, CCT Director, Ed Seidel's research involves solving Einstein's equations as well as astrophysics research on black hole collisions. Another project deals with coastal erosion and storm damage. SuperMike helps meteorologists statewide predict hurricanes more quickly and efficiently. The local petrochemical industry will also benefit from CCT's research on complex molecules. Additional uses for SuperMike include computing projects for medicine and the arts. LSU's Center for Computation & Technology is funded by the Louisiana legislature's I.T. Initiative. The center was founded in 2001 to advance education, research, and economic development in Louisiana through the use of information technology. Contact Rebecca Pitre or Jennifer Hughes| LSU
University Relations Related Links CISCO Systems |
The
memorandum of understanding between Cisco and LSU holds economic
development potential for the state of Louisiana. "Engaging
in a partnership with a major, high technology Fortune 500 company
that is bringing their capabilities to our state creates the opportunity
for several hundred jobs in the future," said Charlie McMahon,
director of LSU's Office of Telecommunications.
