Over the coming months, University academics will have access to a new, modern and state-of-the-art research computing infrastructure. Our on-site Balena HPC (High Performance Computer) is being replaced by:

• A highly scalable cloud HPC environment within Microsoft’s Azure platform, and
• A new small on-campus HTC (High Throughput Computing) cluster running software applications that can’t be moved off campus.

In addition academics at Bath will continue to have access to GW4’s regional Isambard HPC service.

The new high performance computing environments will deliver:

• Access to a large diversity of compute and data storage options that can meet evolving research needs,
• Faster results: compute capacity in the cloud can be scaled to fit demand, run bigger and more jobs without queue restrictions,
• Cutting edge hardware: cloud environments give researchers access to the newest hardware, with compute options regularly updated.

The move to a cloud based solution will involve changes to how our academic community uses our research computing facilities.

There is a cost associated with storing data in the cloud which will need to be carefully managed. Cloud computing will also offer researchers a choice in how they access compute resources. Users can either choose a pay-as-you-go service or a cheaper spot compute service that is reliant on the availability of spare capacity.

The University will continue to provide free access for unfunded research which will be available via a resource allocation process.