A new category of product has been developed which needs to be considered by any purchaser of a high performance machine: minisupercomputers. Thoroughly revised and updated this years report compares in-depth, these computers to parallel processors, supercomputers, mainframe, superminicomputers and workstations. With an explosion of manufacturers announcing such computers, the choice and usage of these high performance systems is a key issue for the potential user.

As the computer market continues to become more competitive, users continue their search for cost effective solutions to the point that most manufacturers are now providing alternative architectures for consideration by customers. The minisupercomputer technology is an international one with vendors such as BBN, Convex, IPS, AMT, and NCube filling market needs.

Thoroughly revised and updated, this year's report is essential reading for any purchaser, or potential purchaser, of a high performance machine. By discussing the rapid increase in the use of minisupercomputers, as well as technology and market size, this report presents all the necessary information for a thorough understanding of these computer systems.

Contenu

Introduction. Scope. Methodology. Audience. Definitions. Multiprocessing nomenclature. Background. Management summary. State of the marketplace. Key technical issues. Market drivers. Market forecast. Minisupercomputer requirements. Performance requirements. Market forces. Industry response. Installed base. Recent product announcements. Vector and parallel minisupercomputers. Software developments. R & D programs. Market forecast. Workstations encroach on minisupercomputers. Hardware. Workstation projections. Supercomputing workstations: the personal supercomputing. Industry structure.