In some respects, the computer industry is, and has always been, predictable in its requirement for computing power. Whether they be chip vendors, systems manufacturers, or end users, they all seek speed. Traditionally, semiconductor and computer systems companies have poured massive resources into making their integrated circuits and machines run faster. Today, the quest for speed approaches the finite physical limitations of silicon. The end-users of these system products need and want more performance.
Speed is but one factor in determining the overall performance of a system.
Instead, performance will depend more on advances in computer architecture and in operating systems technology. RISC architectures have penetrated every major microprocessor and systems vendor's product line. Today, RISC machines continue to gain market share at an increasing rate. However, RISC microprocessors are subject to the same laws of physics as other semiconductors. Enter multiprocessor system architectures.