Aramco Seeks Hardware for Linux Clustering Software

Saudi Aramco has issued a tender for hardware support for its Linux-based clustering solutions, an industry source said on Sunday.  

The tender, in which leading international PC and server vendors are expected to participate, is the first called by Aramco for Linux solutions, he told the Gulf News. 

"Aramco is seeking to replace their existing mainframes, which do cost a lot to maintain, with 64 node cluster servers running Linux," said Yahya Kassab, regional business development manager for Red Hat of the US, a dedicated Linux vendor. 

"Other oil companies have also confirmed interest in introducing some form of Linux into their IT processes, particularly on the cluster server side. 

"Oman Petroleum has just awarded IBM a major contract, and a big Kuwaiti bank has just called for bids. Other oil companies are expected to come out with their programs shortly," he said – Albawaba.com