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From: djc@mbunix.mitre.org (Cazier)
Newsgroups: comp.parallel
Subject: Parallel machines by 1995
Message-ID: <7940@hubcap.clemson.edu>
Date: 9 Feb 90 20:43:19 GMT
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Approved: parallel@hubcap.clemson.edu

What is the future of parallel machines in terms of replacing mainframes
handling large user communities?  The marketing ploy today seems the
same as yesterday in terms of number of users (UNIX world). If I ask
a vendor about the possibility of using their parallel system to
handle 350 users and support 60 Gb of disk farm, they choke.

The parallel systems seem to be geared toward compute intensive applications
rather than interactive use of lots of users. If that's so, then how in the
world is UNIX, for example, going to grab the fancy of MIS interests?

My scalar mind says that the modularity of parallel systems makes them a
good choice for companies that need growth flexibility.

One other "problem" that I've noticed with some parallel systems is that
the CPU's don't load balance jobs. What a waste of CPU resources! or
am I being to harsh?
--
Jacques Cazier (713)-333-0966
{decvax,philabs}!linus!mbunix!jak or jak@mbunix.mitre.org