Traditionally, computer centres have been viewed as principally providing CPU to users. Today, with the advent of large amounts of cheap computer power on the desktop this role is outmoded. A better view of the modern computer centre is a facility which combines training, applications support, and CPU with data storage and management. In determining the correct balance of these functions it is vital to monitor and anticipate users' needs at all levels from hardware provision to applications development.
Participants represent both service providers and their users.
Together, we aim to address the role of emerging computer technologies, such as HPCN, in defining the future direction of scientific computing and the impact on Large Scale Facilities. Each participant is committed to realising the potential of new computing technology and its associated tools and techniques. Together, the participants are capable of representing the interests and needs of all classes of users of large scale computing facilities. A number of participants are also active in the TTN programme and through this connection, the Round Table is well placed to understand the future needs of industrial end users and of SMEs. LSFs possess expensive and complex hardware to enable realistic models to be run or analysis performed.