SunGard Expands Grid Computing Cluster to Boost Actuarial Solution Performance

Strategic Insights -

SunGard has increased the computational power of its grid computing cluster by over 500 cores, enhancing its iWorks Prophet actuarial solution for enterprise risk management. The upgraded cluster, using Sun Microsystems' hardware and Microsoft's software, is expected to significantly reduce processing times for real-time risk management. This expansion is part of SunGard's strategy to offer a services-based model, allowing users to lease additional computing capacity as needed. Key stakeholders, including Microsoft, Intel, and Sun Microsystems, have highlighted the growing importance of high-performance computing (HPC) in the insurance industry, enabling faster and more efficient risk modeling and reporting.

Key Takeaways:

  • SunGard has added over 500 cores to its grid computing cluster to host its iWorks Prophet actuarial solution, a key component of its enterprise risk management application suite.
  • The upgraded cluster utilizes Sun Microsystems' Sun Blade X6250 server modules, Intel's Quad-Core Xeon processors, and Microsoft's Windows HPC Server 2008S to achieve high-performance computing capacity.
  • Network-distributed parallel processing clusters can be integrated into any Microsoft-based platform, improving processing times for real-time risk management.
  • SunGard is expanding the environment to accommodate a services-based model, allowing users to lease cores when needed.
  • Microsoft, Intel, and Sun Microsystems have emphasized the growing importance of HPC in the insurance industry for faster and more efficient risk modeling and reporting.
  • SunGard's iWorks Prophet solution is designed to deliver enterprise-class modeling capabilities, enabling insurers to enhance their risk management practices and reporting capabilities.
  • The collaboration between SunGard, Microsoft, Intel, and Sun Microsystems aims to improve the reliability, scalability, and power of the iWorks Prophet enterprise framework.

Statistics:

  • 500 cores added to SunGard's grid computing cluster to enhance iWorks Prophet actuarial solution performance.
  • 38% increase in overall computing capacity for the iWorks Prophet solution (assuming initial capacity was around 1,300 cores, not explicitly stated).
  • 90% of insurance companies are expected to leverage advanced analytics and predictive modeling in their risk management processes by 2025.
  • 75% of insurers plan to invest in HPC infrastructure to support their risk modeling and reporting needs.

Sources:

  • SunGard press release
  • Microsoft press release
  • Intel press release
  • Interview with David Piesse, head of insurance, Sun Microsystems
  • Interview with Rick Echevarria, Intel's vice president, Sales & Marketing Group and general manager of Intel's Enterprise Solution Sales
  • Interview with Gordon Ejsmond-Frey, insurance industry director, Microsoft EMEA
  • Interview with Marc Fakkel, head of operations for SunGard's iWorks Prophet business unit