Azure HPC Cache

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Azure HPC Cache is a cloud-based service designed to accelerate data access for high-performance computing workloads by caching files in Azure. This enables organizations to leverage the scalability of cloud computing without overhauling existing workflows, even when data is stored across wide area network links, such as in on-premises network-attached storage environments. Key Features and Functionality: - Flexible Caching Options: Offers multiple caching configurations, including read-write standard caching, read-only caching, and read-write premium caching, to suit various performance and cost requirements. - High Throughput and Low Latency: Provides throughput options up to 20 GB/s and read latencies as low as 150 microseconds, ensuring rapid data access for compute-intensive tasks. - Aggregated Namespace: Allows integration of existing NFS storage or new Azure Blob containers into a unified namespace, simplifying client access even when backend storage targets change. - Scalability: Supports compute farms of up to 75,000 CPU cores, accommodating large-scale HPC workloads. Primary Value and Problem Solved: Azure HPC Cache addresses the challenge of latency between compute resources and storage systems in HPC environments. By caching frequently accessed data closer to compute resources, it reduces data access times, enhances workflow efficiency, and enables organizations to scale their HPC workloads in the cloud without significant changes to existing data storage architectures. This is particularly beneficial for industries such as media and entertainment, life sciences, silicon design, and financial services, where timely data access is critical. Important Note: Microsoft has announced the retirement of Azure HPC Cache, with end of support scheduled for September 30, 2025. Users are advised to remove all Azure HPC Cache resources by this date.