Cluster Resources announced that Alexa Internet, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, has implemented the Moab Utility/Hosting Suite for its Alexa Web Search Platform. In Alexa’s case, the result is a service that allows users to create their own search engines for a fraction of the price of alternatives, using hosted resources that are now more readily available thanks to their underlying use of Moab technology. The same technology has a far reaching effect for utility computing, as it lets customers lease out unused hardware, automate creation of virtual clusters, loan access to testing systems and build grids that grow and shrink based on capacity needs.

When users access the Alexa Web Search Platform, they are essentially receiving a customized, dynamically-generated 'mini-supercomputer' that taps into Alexa's extensive data store. This includes the data, analysis tools, storage facilities, high speed network and powerful compute resources required. Alexa's solution provides a full end-to-end environment that empowers the user to immediately and fully process the available data to provide their own Web services. This new on-demand solution handles logistics, scheduling, and the automation of management, simplifying the process for customers and Alexa administrators alike.

The full press release is posted here.