Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!agate!saturn!leo@fulcrum.bt.co.uk
From: leo@fulcrum.bt.co.uk (Leo Howe)
Newsgroups: comp.os.research
Subject: Multiprocessors and UNIX (TM)
Message-ID: <9968@saturn.ucsc.edu>
Date: 5 Dec 89 13:35:21 GMT
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Organization: BT Fulcrum, Birmingham, England
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Approved: comp-os-research@jupiter.ucsc.edu

As part of an investigation into the performance of UNIX on
various hardware configurations, I am currently involved in
a study of the 'behaviour' of UNIX on multiprocessor based
hardware.
The aims and objectives of the study are:

        a) To find out which M'processor hardware architectures
have been employed for running UNIX.

        b) To find out which Operating system styles have been
employed, e.g Master/Slave, Symmetrical e.t.c.

        c) To determine the performance implications of porting
UNIX to M'processor based hardware.

        d) To find out what AT&T are doing in order to develop a new
organisation of UNIX for making efficient use of M'processor
based hardware.

        e) To find out whether or not UNIX retains it's portability
across M'processor systems.

        f) To obtain information on the price/performance ratios
of M'processor systems running UNIX.

   I would be greatful for any information on the above areas, and
also any references.

   The main investigation also involves obtaining a price /
performance model for computer systems which can be used to determine
whether or not the increase in performance is worth the increase in
price. Any information on currently used price/ performance models,
and references on the said subject are also welcome.

   Please e-mail any information to me at:
                            leo@fulcrum.bt.co.uk

   Thank you.
          LEO.