Data Vortex: Partnering to revolutionize computing.

A fully integrated partnership.

Dr. Reed knew this could mean a significant leap in supercomputer speed and performance, but the idea was still only a concept. Dr. Reed needed engineering expertise to help prove that the concept could work as a physical machine. That’s why, in 2008, he partnered with Plexus. In close collaboration, Dr. Reed and Plexus Senior Principal Engineer Mike Ives worked to translate the mathematical solution into an engineering solution. Mike worked to gain understanding of Dr. Reed’s patents, then implemented a hardware description language (HDL) simulation that successfully proved Dr. Reed’s initial concept. From that point on, Plexus and Data Vortex have been true partners, collaborating closely to make the revolutionary Data Vortex system a reality.

The project had a startup mentality — together with Dr. Reed, we essentially bootstrapped a new supercomputer. Because funding depended on getting private investors excited, we had to prove ourselves at every stage. First, that meant successful simulation just to prove the concept. Then we had to get the concept to fit on a physical FPGA, build a small-scale prototype, measure performance and leverage the data into support for a full-scale hardware prototype. By 2011, the Data Vortex and Plexus teams were able to design, build and deliver three DV102 beta test systems to customers. One went to The University of North Dakota, one to the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas, and the third was installed at one of our own Plexus Design Centers.

Continuing the innovation.

With Data Vortex, Plexus truly began on the ground floor of an exciting breakthrough in high-performance computing. Larger computer manufacturers hadn’t been willing to work with such an early-stage concept. But at Plexus, we were eager to take on the challenge. Our team understood the significance of what Dr. Reed’s vision could accomplish, and we were willing to invest in exploring the idea along with him. In fact, it was just the kind of discovery, invention and difficult problem-solving we thrive on.

To this day, the relationship between Data Vortex and Plexus is uniquely collaborative. The Plexus team takes part in installations, supporting Data Vortex customers face-to-face. Our own Mike Ives and Senior Project Manager Bill Stube often present on behalf of Data Vortex at industry events or in customer meetings. Data Vortex even brings prospective customers to our Plexus facilities to showcase our ability to deliver — and our flexibility to ramp up to support their growing needs, including production manufacturing.

In many ways, Data Vortex counts on Plexus as their own research and development department. We have co-authored several patents with Data Vortex, and they’ve trusted us to expand their product line to include full systems, switches and interface controllers. We also continue to develop their next generation of products, tapping into every area of our service offerings.

Most of all, the longevity of our relationship speaks to just how much Data Vortex trusts Plexus to come through for them. For our part, we are proud to be part of this revolution in high-performance computing. We’re grateful for the trust Dr. Coke Reed and his team have placed in us. And we’re looking forward to the innovations we’ll continue to help Data Vortex bring to market.