Hitachi develops fastest supercomputer
Article Abstract:
Hitachi's SR2201 supercomputer is the fastest available in the world, according to a report from the Energy Department's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The SR2201, which is installed at the University of Tokyo, uses 1,024 processors. In a technique known as massively parallel computing, the processors are linked so they can carry out complex operations. The SR2201 can perform over 220 billion mathematical operations each second, an improvement over the previous fastest computer, which was made by Fujitsu and performed at 170 billion mathematical operations each second. The report states that Japanese companies make nine of the 20 fastest supercomputers, but US companies are also well represented in the top 20. The issue is sensitive because the US government is buying a supercomputer from NEC, which the Commerce Department claims is being sold below cost. The government also claims that the Japanese are not opening their markets to competition.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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A maverick builds a new supercomputer in a PC world
Article Abstract:
Tera Computer leader Burton Smith is on the threshold of forming a new supercomputer company based on a new parallel processing approach. Smith rejects the dominant supercomputing idea of massively parallel computers that combine so-called killer microprocessor chips. By comparison, Tera Computer is designing its product for a different microprocessor sequence. Processors would receive a new task from a large pool of waiting tasks, which insures efficient use of all processors. Smith thinks this development can overcome memory latency, or time wasted while microprocessors await new data. Memory latency affects all levels of computing, desktop PCs included. The Tera machines will range from $5 million to $40 million, ranging from eight processors and up. Tera's 1998 and 1999 revenue will total $49 million and $106 million respectively, according to Salomon Brothers.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Intel to abandon Paragon line of supercomputers
Article Abstract:
Intel announces plans to stop manufacturing the Paragon line of supercomputers by the end of September due to decreasing market demand, consolidation within the industry and the increasing power of PC systems. Intel's supercomputer subsidiary began operations in 1984 as Intel Scientific Computers and began marketing the Paragon products in 1991. Since then, Intel has sold 100 Paragon systems and has found itself unable to increase product features as fast as developers increase PC system functionality. Indeed, many supercomputer companies have been unable to compete and have been acquired or gone into bankruptcy. PC systems boasting state-of-the-art microprocessors are beginning to offer performance that rivals mainframes, supercomputers and workstations. Cushioned by a $45 million contract, Intel plans to continue development of the Teraflop supercomputer.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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