When a customer needed a precision computer that could acquire, rapidly process and store the substantial samples generated by the lab testing, they turned to Nor-Tech. Likewise, scientists at the University of Minnesota opted for Nor-Tech clusters when they needed a computer system that could deliver an exceedingly high-resolution image, high enough to analyze blood cells only 8 microns wide (smaller than a droplet of fog).

At the heart of Nor-Tech's high-performance computers is the ability to provide intra-cluster communications and handle supervisory and management tasks within the cluster. They needed a business solutions manufacturer that could provide them with powerful, yet cost effective switches to utilize in building the portable cluster units.

Solution: D-Link Provides Powerful, Affordable Switches for Lightweight Mobile Supercomputers

Nor-Tech turned to D-Link in search of high-powered switches, and was referred to D-Link representative Jiten Gorey, who recommended the DGS-1248T switch. That was four years ago, today the computer manufacturer uses the newer D-Link DGS-3024 and DGS-3048 switches to build its cluster units.

"We chose D-Link because of the outstanding service. They provided us with evaluation units and field application engineers to survey the projects," said Daninger. "The evaluation units were critical. High performance computing is a 'show me' field and we have to prove performance levels. It is a lengthy process that starts with a prototype and we run a lot of benchmarks, then we build a production unit and run performance and integrity tests." "What is unique about D-Link is that their level of service is second to none," he added. "They are great to work with."

D-Link Offers a Good Value Proposition

"D-Link is a very good value proposition. They bring a lot of power to the table at a very good price," said Bollig. "They really offer the best bang for the buck. D-Link is an excellent partner for this type of collaboration."

"With managed switches it comes down to price and service," he added. "D-Link products run extremely fast, they're priced 40 to 50% lower than the same items from different brands, and they provide better service. What more could you ask for?"

D-Link Offers a Reliable, Powerful Product

"When it came to providing intra-communications channels for the clusters, the lower end switches just didn't cut it," said Daninger. "When you're dealing with a $4 million project, you need to build the clusters with reliable components. That's where D-Link came in."

"The D-Link switches are very easy to work with as far a configuration and they have a great user interface," he added. "They are very well thought out."