NEC begins developing next-generation vector supercomputer - Aim to release new model with 10 times greater performance in 2017 -

***  For immediate use November 17, 2014



Tokyo, November 17, 2014 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced that it has started developing a next-generation vector supercomputer. This new model will be the successor to the SX-ACE supercomputer. With this next-generation vector machine, NEC aims to achieve a rack performance that is more than 10 times (*1) greater than the current model, and a maximum system performance that is more than 100 times greater, resulting in an improvement of processing performance to tens of petaflops (*2).

NEC aims to leverage the know-how and technologies achieved through the development of the SX-ACE in order to reduce power and space consumption, thereby enabling a significant improvement in operating efficiency. Specifically, the company aims to develop a supercomputer that consumes less than 10% (*3) of the power of the current model and takes up less than 1/30 (*3) of the space. The previous supercomputer required the same amount of space as a meeting room for approximately 10 people. In contrast, the compact size of the new supercomputer allows users to install it in locations as small as the area of an office desk. Electric power costs will also be less than 10% (*4) of those for the current model.

In addition, NEC plans to offer a full lineup of next-generation vector supercomputers. This lineup will offer a wide range of performance options for various applications, such as use by individual researchers or use at data centers that process large volumes of data. The full lineup reflects NEC's expectations for the widespread use of vector technology in big data markets, including the analysis of images and large-size data.

"In addition to cutting-edge research and development activities, such as climate prediction, automobile design and aircraft design, NEC intends to expand the applications of supercomputers to include urban development, which will help improve safety and security, as well as systems that support higher levels of economic activity," said Shinichi Shoji, executive vice president, NEC Corporation. "In doing so, we will help advance information and communications technology infrastructure and contribute to society, businesses and the everyday lives of people."

Notes:

*1) Based on comparison using standard racks

*2) Petaflop: 1,000 trillion floating-point operations per second.
Based on comparison of performance between the SX-ACE and the next-generation vector supercomputer in their maximum configurations

*3) Based on comparison between the SX-ACE and the next-generation vector supercomputer with the same performance

*4) NEC's estimate for operation with 64 racks

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