The best approach to a large computing capability

Abstract

The best approach to a large computing capability is to build your own multi-processor system, utilizing the most effective elements available from the leading hardware manufacturers. To understand this approach, it would be useful to describe the type of system which is to be built. It is evident that many of the system characteristics will be prescribed by the application, others will be purely a matter of personal choice. The essential characteristics are few in number and must not be confused with the non-essential characteristics. The remainder of this paper presents a set of do-it-yourself instructions for designing your own multi-processor system which stresses the essential characteristics. The intent being that the reader can follow through these instructions and design his own system for his own particular application. In this way, each reader can have a specific system in mind which he can evaluate critically. Although there would be individual differences in the systems under consideration by different individuals, the essential characteristics would be the same, and discussion would then tend to center about these essential features. The paper concludes with a summary in which the design approach is reviewed in an attempt to emphasize the utility of the approach.