IBM and Chevron Collaborate on High-Performance Computing for Energy Exploration

Strategic Insights -

IBM and Chevron Corporation, a leading energy company, have collaborated to deploy a high-performance computing cluster based on IBM eServer 326 servers with AMD Opteron processor-based technology. This cluster has enabled Chevron to process data at speeds up to seven times faster than before, allowing the company to make more accurate and timely decisions in oil exploration and drilling.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chevron selected an IBM cluster with AMD Opteron processor-based IBM eServer 326 servers for its extremely compute-intensive depth imaging technology.
  • The cluster, consisting of over 700 nodes, has enabled Chevron to process data up to seven times faster, improving processing time and productivity while reducing operating costs.
  • The IBM e326 server, expanded in April to support Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors, provides compatibility for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, allowing Chevron to continue running some 32-bit applications while taking advantage of 64-bit computing.
  • The collaboration has allowed Chevron to achieve its business goals while operating more efficiently, with a significant reduction in the time required for data processing.
  • Chevron's vice president, Leo Suarez, has stated that the company's top priority is growing its business and serving partners, not IT, and has highlighted IBM's on-demand strategy as a key factor in this decision.
  • IBM's e326 server features Calibrated Vectored Cooling, one of the industry's most advanced systems-power and cooling architectures, designed to address power and cooling issues.
  • AMD's Vice President, Kevin Knox, has emphasized the leadership role of IBM in delivering powerful systems to address the demands of enterprises running business-critical applications, and the importance of AMD's dual-core processing performance and energy cost-savings.

Statistics:

  • Chevron's cluster consists of over 700 nodes.
  • The cluster has enabled Chevron to process data up to seven times faster.
  • The IBM e326 servers are powered by AMD Opteron processor-based technology.
  • The e326 server features Calibrated Vectored Cooling, an advanced system-power and cooling architecture.
  • Chevron employs over 53,000 people worldwide.
  • Chevron operates in approximately 180 countries around the world.
  • Chevron is based in San Ramon, California.
  • IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate.

Sources:

  • IBM Corporation, "IBM Announces Chevron Corporation Selects High-Performance Computing Cluster for Oil Exploration."
  • Market Wire, "IBM Announces Chevron Corporation Selects High-Performance Computing Cluster for Oil Exploration."
  • AMD, "AMD Offers Leadership in x86 Dual-Core Processing Performance and Energy Cost-Savings for Servers and Workstations."