Customer Case Study
Callaway Golf
4/11/2008
Switch from Linux to Windows Increases Value of HPC for Golf Equipment Manufacturer
When the Linux-based high-performance computing (HPC) cluster in use at Callaway Golf reached the end of its useful life, the company began looking for a replacement solution. Callaway Golf switched to Windows® Compute Cluster Server 2003 running on HP hardware because the solution offered several advantages over one based on Linux, including lower overall costs, improved ease of use, and greater manageability. The company's new HPC cluster is delivering an eightfold increase in performance, helping make engineers far more productive and enhancing their ability to deliver innovative, high-quality products. Furthermore, by choosing Windows Compute Cluster Server over Linux, Callaway Golf is benefiting from a solution that is easier to use, is simpler to support, and will save the company thousands of dollars in software and maintenance costs.
Industry: Consumer Goods Manufacturing
Size: Large, 3500 employees
Country: US  US

Customer Profile
http://www.callawaygolf.com/
Callaway Golf designs, manufactures, and sells golf equipment and apparel. The company has approximately 3,200 employees worldwide and is based in Carlsbad, California.
Business Situation
When Callaway Golf's Linux-based high-performance computing (HPC) cluster was ready to be replaced, the company began looking for a new solution that would be faster and easier to use and manage.
Solution
Callaway Golf chose an HPC solution from HP based on Windows® Compute Cluster Server 2003 over one based on Linux, because it performed at least as well as a new Linux cluster, cost less, and integrated easily with the company's IT infrastructure.
Benefit
  • Faster computing performance
  • Better productivity for engineers
  • Improved product quality and innovation
  • Ease of adoption and management
  • Low initial and long-term costs
Software
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003
  • Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003
Quote
"There was no compelling reason for us to choose Linux for these applications. We saw that a Windows-based HPC solution would cost less, perform at least as well, and be easier for us to use and support." John Loo, Design Systems Senior Manager, Callaway Golf