Glossary: H

Information Technologies

What is High-Performance Computing (HPC)?

High-Performance Computing (HPC) is the practice of combining multiple powerful computers or processors—organized as clusters or supercomputers—to solve problems and process data significantly faster than a single workstation or server. HPC systems harness parallel processing, breaking large, complex workloads into smaller tasks that are distributed and executed simultaneously across numerous nodes. Each node may consist of processors, accelerators like GPUs, memory, and storage interconnected through high-speed networks.

The core components of HPC are:

  • Compute: Large numbers of processing units working in parallel.

  • Storage: High-capacity, high-speed data storage systems.

  • Networking: Fast interconnections enabling swift data sharing among nodes.

HPC enables computation-driven innovation across industries including scientific research, engineering, finance, pharmaceuticals, weather forecasting, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics. For example, HPC powers tasks like DNA sequencing, climate modeling, crash simulations, and fraud detection—delivering results that might be impossible or too slow for traditional systems.

Modern HPC can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as hybrid setups and continues to evolve with advancements in processor and GPU technology. As workloads in AI and data analytics expand, HPC’s role is increasingly critical for organizations seeking rapid insights from vast data resources.

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