From: rlarowe@chpc.org (Rick LaRowe)
Subject: CHPC Colloquim
Organization: Center For High Perf. Computing of WPI; Marlboro Ma
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 15:27:12 GMT



                   Center for High Performance Computing
                                Colloquium

                       HBD: A System for Exploiting 
              Heterogeneous Parallel Computing Environments
 
                           Richard P. LaRowe Jr.
 
		   Center for High Performance Computing
                      Worcester Polytechnic Institute

				 Abstract

  Heterogeneity has become a "hot topic" in recent months. For several 
  years, researchers have focused on issues of "hiding" or "accommodating" 
  heterogeneity, as if it is a nuisance that must somehow be resolved.  
  We believe that in many circumstances, it is more appropriate to view 
  heterogeneity as a benefit than as a nuisance.

  We have recently initiated an effort to develop an environment designed 
  to exploit, not accommodate, heterogeneity. The very fact that such a wide 
  variety of computing architectures exists (e.g., uniprocessor workstations,
  SIMD, shared memory multiprocessors, message-passing multicomputers, and 
  embedded control processors) is evidence to the fact that different kinds 
  of computers are more suitable to different kinds of tasks. Many real-world 
  problems (e.g., C3I, concurrent engineering and manufacturing, and "Grand 
  Challenge" applications) consist of multiple components that are best 
  suited to different kinds of computer architectures. Attempting to solve 
  these problems on any single architecture can lead to inefficient, 
  "sacrifice" solutions. In order to achieve maximal performance, 
  functionality, and reliability for these applications, it is necessary to 
  utilize heterogeneous computing platforms comprised of component systems 
  that match the needs of the target applications.

  The heterogeneous environment that we envision is comprised of several 
  components: a new interconnection architecture capable of supporting 
  high-performance shared memory and message based communication, operating 
  system support, and a new programming environment. The programming 
  environment is called HBD (Heterogeneous By Design) and is designed to 
  promote the development of heterogeneous applications (with different 
  programming languages, different programming paradigms, and different 
  timing and fault tolerance constraints) while still providing the ability 
  to reuse existing software. HBD will have integrated performance monitoring 
  capabilities as well as a graphical user interface to assist in the 
  development of heterogeneous applications.

  In this talk I will motivate the need for building high-performance 
  heterogeneous computing systems and briefly describe the interconnection 
  architecture CHPC is building to support such systems. The focus of the 
  presentation, however, will be the design of the HBD programming 
  environment.

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 Date:  Thursday, November 19, 1992
 Time:  10:30 AM
Place:  Center for High Performance Computing
        Worcester Polytechnic Institute
	293 Boston Post Road West,  Marlborough, MA
 Info:  Contact Rick LaRowe @ (508) 624-7400 x610 or rlarowe@chpc.org
	(yeah, yeah, ... it's hard to host one's self as a speaker but ....)
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