University of Alabama updates

[Packer16]

FYI. A word about the High Performance Computer Center that is currrently under construction next to McFarland Blvd., behind the Nursing School building. The computer power that it brings to the University of Alabama is light years ahead of where we are now (and, we are not in a bad position, now). For example, the entire University currently runs on what can be contained in a single server rack. The new facility will have 150 server racks. This will be, by far the highest capacity and speed of not only any facility in the state of Alabama, but, the Region. This is the reason we can be the leader in the tri-state collaboration, mentioned above. The impact on future research and leading Program Project grants cannot be understated. Russell Mumper, supported by Senator Shelby, got the idea funding ball rolling and "meemaw Ivey's puppet masters" threw more funding into the pot to make the project a "Landmark" move for UA and the State. I can't say enough how important this facility will be to the upward trajectory and the "go to" facility for future research in "all" areas. $96 million well spent. RTR