A Computer Solution to Clinical and Research Computing Needs
Jack London · PubMed Central · 1985
A computer cluster is a recent advance in network technology in which a group of processors have simultaneous read and write access to the same records on one or more disk drives. The mass storage is associated with all the processors on the cluster, rather than any single processor. When combined with an intelligent terminal port selector, the computer cluster offers significant advantages in a hospital environment. Further benefits accrue when there exists a need for sharing data between hospital information and scientific research applications. A description of the hardware and software elements of a computer cluster and the use of a cluster at a medical center comprised of a hospital and research institute will be presented. The advantages and limitations of this approach will be discussed.