Linux Networx today unveiled its latest Linux supercomputers, claiming that the LS Series combines the price of Linux clusters with the power of traditional supercomputers.

The LS-1 and LS/X product ranges are designed to meet the needs of midrange or traditional supercomputing application users.

The lower-end LS-1 family is designed to make supercomputing more affordable and manageable for midrange users.

The computers are set up to run specific third-party applications such as computational fluid dynamics, crash analysis, structural engineering, flow simulation and interactive 3-D visualisation. LS-1 Supersystems are also designed to be adaptable to run custom application codes.

A range of pre-tested subsystem modules are available, including varieties of compute, interconnect, visualisation, data storage and application acceleration.

According to Linux Networx, users need no special facilities or cluster expertise to run the systems. LS-1 Supersystems are available for early access customers today, with general availability in the first quarter of next year.

The higher-end LS/X is described as an "extreme performance Linux supercomputer" designed to run applications that demand "ultimate levels of sustained application performance".

The architecture is designed to eliminate the performance bottlenecks experienced by first-generation clusters, and features direct-attached memory and interconnects. LS/X Supersystems will be available for early access customers in December 2005.

"Every day a more diverse set of supercomputing users are turning to Linux. We designed the LS Series in response to their unique needs," said Robert E wald, chief executive at Linux Networx.