Continental AG Chooses High-Performance IBM Computing Solution From MSC.Software
SANTA ANA, Calif.--June 18, 2002--Pioneering European Tire Manufacturer Bases Its Integrated Simulation
Environment on IBM "Regatta" Solution From MSC.Software
MSC.Software Corp. , the leading global provider of simulation software, services and systems, today announced that Hannover-based Continental AG, one of the world's top-ten automotive suppliers, has ordered a high-performance IBM computing system from MSC.Software. The IBM p690, code-name "Regatta," will be used exclusively for simulation purposes, and will form the basis of a single integrated technical computing environment.
"We are extremely pleased at the confidence Continental places in MSC.Software's integrated approach," said Frank Perna, chairman and CEO of MSC.Software. "We are confident that our expertise in developing and implementing technical computing solutions will maximize the return that Continental will gain on their investment, both today, and as their requirements develop in the future."
In the first stage of the engagement, the high performance computing (HPC) version of the IBM p690 will be equipped with 8 CPUs. This configuration has been shown to perform extremely well in comparative benchmarks for technical computing applications. Scalability is also excellent and an upgrade option to 16 CPUs is also available.
MSC.Software will install and configure the "Regatta" system for optimal performance for a variety of simulation applications based upon more than 40 years of experience in fine-tuning computer systems. MSC.Software, in partnership with the IT service provider ICA GmbH, a subsidiary of IBM, will act as the single-point contact for the system, with ICA GmbH managing its day-to-day operation.
Continental AG is a pioneer in the development and the use of simulation technology for tire development. In addition to structural optimization, vibration investigation, wear and durability prediction of rolling tires, Continental's analysis focus includes safety and environmental issues, with simulation technology being used to assess complex engineering problems such as hydroplaning and noise reduction. Further installations are anticipated to include additional products from the MSC.visualNastran Enterprise portfolio, along with other commercial CAE applications.
"We are very confident, that with the most sophisticated IBM computer technology available, and with MSC.Software to understand and address our individual requirements, we have now satisfied a major objective to create a systematic and effective implementation of our CAE resources in order to further increase the quality of our products for our customers," said Dr. Steffen Forster, head of IT Management R&D Tires, Continental AG.
"The partnership between MSC.Software and IBM creates a compelling solution for Continental," said Francis Kuhlen, Vice President Systems Sales, IBM EMEA Central Region. "The new solution enables Continental to manage end-to-end processes in their engineering and manufacturing sector, and to create real business value."
About MSC.Software Corporation
MSC.Software is the leading global provider of simulation software, with related services and systems, that help companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1,500 people in 22 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM Sales & Distribution, which supports more than a dozen key industries worldwide, works with companies of all sizes around the world to deploy the full range of IBM technologies. The fastest way to get more information about IBM is through the IBM home page at http://www.ibm.com.
About Continental AG
Continental AG, Hanover, is a leading supplier of brake systems, chassis components, electronics, and passenger car and truck tires to the automotive industry. In 2001, the company's 65,000 employees achieved sales of 11,2 billion EURO throughout the world. For more information on Continental AG, please visit http://www.conti.de.