Quote from aphexcoil:
I am gathering more information on the computer cluster and I have determined that I can build a mini-supercomputer for less than $10,000.
Here is the configuration of each of the client machines that I am pondering:
Motherboard: ASUS P2PE Intel 845e Chipset ($120)
CPU: Intel 3.08ghz Pentium IV ($250)
Memory: 2700 533mhz 1 Gig Modules ($150)
Network: FiberOptic 1gigahertz ($150)
Hard-Drive: 20 Gigabyte ($40)
Case: $50
Total cost for client machine: approx. $750
10 machines would run around $7,500
I don't need video-cards since the motherboard has in intergrated one. I also don't need monitors since I can log into them from the server.
Linux is free.

Quote from tntneo:
this is great.
I see 2 great business models for you :
- software development
can be profitable, but be careful : hotlines cost money. also traders are volatile (!), they will switch to another software if you don't keep up with improvements. think monthly lease instead of one time fee anyway.
- hardware business
well problem is inventory. you need just in time delivery. the market for clusters is not as big as you think though.
however, it may be easier for you to build one than to actually trade.