The Register is reporting that the UK government, and the prime minister in particular, want to build a new UK supercomputer using British parts and components.
I have to admit that I think this is a fantastic idea. It is sheer madness that we have not tried doing this already, especially when we have the firms and technology to make it happen. But do not get me started on the UK’s technology plan. All we do is buy supercomputers (and most things) off the shelf in order to save money. Who cares that it kills our own industry.
We were so fortunate to have a Tech Champion, ARM, whose technology is arguably the most important in the world today, powering most mobile phones, tablets, Internet of thing devices, and even laptops, and servers more and more. Countries would kill to have a company like that, so what do we do? We flog it to the Japanese (Softbank)!
The sheer lunacy of this deal cannot be understated. It was so harmful to our country. Unfortunately the government has not got a clue about technology, and allowed the sale. Either that or there was corruption involved because it was so harmful to our national security.
So to hear news like this is great. Let’s hope we have more of it, and that it is not a made up story to boost the Conservatives.
What needs to happen is that we have a supercomputer designed and built here, using ARM based Cpus and Imagination Technology GPU and AI accelerators. We should even see if we can get Integral to supply the memory and solid state hard drives. These are all well known and established British technology companies.
I would even see if we can get another country on board to share the costs and benefits with. I think Japan would be the ideal partner.
I would get them all in a room together to plan it out, and build a team to get it done.
Yes it will be more expensive to do it this way but it will keep the money in the country, generate skills and give the country a product to sell and market abroad.
So please stop talking about it. Make it happen (but I doubt this penny pinching government has the energy, enthusiasm or vision to understand the benefits).
Let’s hope I am wrong.
