Linux Networx Render Farm Powers Special Effects in "The Core"

SALT LAKE CITY, April 2, 2003 - Linux Networx announced today its collaboration with CIS Hollywood in the production of the Paramount Pictures film, "The Core." CIS Hollywood used a Linux Networx(TM) Evolocity(TM) render farm with 50 AMD Athlon(TM) MP processors to create visual effects in the science fiction movie released last week.

CIS Hollywood's visual effects for "The Core" included the rendering of "Virgil," the subterranean drilling craft used to drill to the center of the earth. CIS Hollywood used the Linux Networx render farm to render volumetric fluid surrounding "Virgil" as it travels through rock, magma, crystals and diamonds on its way to the earth's core. The render farm was also used to composite all elements of the scene together.

"It is critical that we have the fastest, most affordable rendering hardware available," said Don Fly, general manager for CIS Hollywood. "The Linux Networx cluster was easy to set up and the ICE(TM) cluster management tools simplify administration, allowing us to render more quickly and meet our deadlines."

The render farm, also called a Linux cluster, is a set of independent computers linked together through a high-speed network to form a unified and more powerful computing system. Linux Networx systems provide optimum performance and power for the most demanding visual effects and rendering projects.

"A clustered system is ideal for visual effects companies looking to speed up their rendering projects, and Linux Networx specializes in the unique system configuration required to create an efficient render farm," said Josh Harr, chief technology officer for Linux Networx. "We are glad to see our systems being used to create visual effects for high-profile motion pictures."

"AMD and Linux Networx work together to help ensure our shared customers have the scalability and performance required for the most compute-intensive special effects rendering," said Marty Seyer, vice president of server business, Computation Products Group, AMD. "AMD Athlon MP processors offer the entertainment industry stability and reliability for both digital content creation workstations and rendering servers, providing business value by allowing customers to spend more time on the creative process and less time on computing cycles."

CIS Hollywood creates computer-generated visual effects for feature films, television programs and commercials. The new Linux Networx render farm allowed CIS Hollywood to double the output to complete 3D rendering and 2D compositing tasks.

Linux Networx (www.linuxnetworx.com) brings its powerful Linux cluster and render farm technology to those demanding high performance visual computing and digital modeling systems. With the use of cluster computer technology, Linux Networx links a set of independent computers together through a high-speed network to form a unified and more powerful system, ideal for graphics rendering and visual effects. Through innovative Evolocity hardware, ICE cluster management tools and professional service and support, Linux Networx provides end-to-end clustering solutions. To date, the company has built some of the fastest cluster systems in the world.

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