The Role of Simulation in Computing

Abstract

Three points about the role of simulation in computing are discussed. The first point is a prediction about the present trend in the computer industry and the requirements of this trend line. The second point concems where the computer industry stands on this trend line with respect to these requirements. The third indicates the path to follow to keep abreast of the trend line. Simulation of a computer system is defined as a model to evaluate performance of a total computer system operating in the user's environment. Few computer systems today provide any information on how they are operating. Parameters are needed. This leads to the prediction that computer systems will evolve to become self-monitoring and self-adjusting. In certain areas, computers are now beginning to study themselves as well as other applications. The IBM Corporation has developed CSS/360 which provides one set of basic models that the user can combine to suit his own configuration. Knowledge gained in the Gemini program provided several areas of technical fallout that revised prior concepts of simulation. The problem for the future is to keep pace with the evergrowing requirements and to make the systems more user oriented, while developing improved calibration techniques. Self-monitoring systems must provide data on both hardware and control program portions of computer systems while performing various applications.