Previously, researchers in Africa "borrowed or purchased computer time" overseas to conduct their studies, restricting research on issues crucial to the continent, US COMPUTER maker Dell said this week it had partnered with Cape Town’s Centre for High Performance Computing, the University of Cambridge, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Eclipse Holdings to create the fastest supercomputer for research and development in Africa. The supercomputer is used for, among other things, the calculation of intensive tasks such as quantum physics, weather forecasting, and climate research. It is already operational at the Centre for High Performance Computing. The CSIR will be able to make use of the technology to conduct research and drive innovations focused on HIV/AIDS, malaria and climate change. "Using the supercomputer will give the CSIR access to fast and efficient data capturing and results, enabling these issues to be addressed and hopefully bring us closer to more sustainable solutions," Dell said. Previously, researchers in Africa "borrowed or purchased computer time" from institutions throughout the world to conduct their studies. This often restricted research capabilities on issues that were crucial to the continent. "As a result of the supercomputer the CSIR is now able to conduct research with the continent’s specific needs as a priority," Dell said. Read Full: BusinessDay - Cape supercomputer Africa’s fastest
