Eviden signs contract with the SKAO to support the data infrastructure of next-generation radio telescopes

Core Insights - Eviden, a product brand of Atos Group, has secured a contract with the SKA Observatory (SKAO) to deliver the Science Data Processing Centre (SDP) Computing work package for the SKA-Low and SKA-Mid telescope sites in Australia and South Africa [1][4]. Company Overview - Eviden operates in 36 countries with approximately €1 billion in revenue, focusing on advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems, and vision AI [9]. - Atos Group, the parent company of Eviden, employs around 67,000 people and generates annual revenue of approximately €10 billion, positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation and high-performance computing [10]. Project Details - The SDP is essential for the SKAO's scientific mission, processing data equivalent to over one million 4K Netflix streams and archiving around 700 PB annually [4]. - Initial hardware deployments for the SDP are anticipated in 2026, with a scalable approach allowing for on-demand deployment of predefined scalable units (SUs) at each site [5]. Technological Capabilities - Eviden will provide a combination of Intel-powered high-performance computing and Data Direct Networks (DDN) storage systems, ensuring efficient data handling and operational readiness through local services [6]. - The system-level software from Eviden will ensure seamless integration of all hardware components into a unified system [6]. Strategic Importance - The partnership with Eviden is a significant milestone for the SKAO, enabling the construction of the digital foundation necessary for groundbreaking radio astronomy [7]. - The project emphasizes international cooperation and aims to minimize environmental impact while pushing technological boundaries in high-performance computing [8].