Fujitsu is building supercomputer ten times as fast as current rivals

Article Abstract:

Fujitsu Ltd develops the VPP500 supercomputer, a $9.5 million to $125 million model that will deliver 355 billion floating point operations per second, that will be on the market in 1993. The VPP500's design has attracted attention because it blends two supercomputing technologies in one unit. The system will utilize traditional vector processors as well as state-of-the-art massively parallel processors. Fujitsu officials believe that their design will allow software to be written that will access all of the processors. A higher level of speed was achieved via the use of gallium arsenide instead of the traditional silicon chips. Some industry analysts are skeptical about Fujitsu's chances of success with the VPP500, noting the high price, lack of compatible software and the resurgence of a 'buy American' attitude among US companies. Cray Research is developing a supercomputer that is expected to compete with the VPP500.

Fujitsu Ltd., Performance improvement (Computers), Competition, Gallium Arsenide Semiconductor, Performance Improvement, Vector Processors, Fujitsu VPP500 (Supercomputer)

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Cray Computer weighs accord with its rivals

Article Abstract:

Cray Computer Corp is making progress in debugging its new advanced supercomputers and is considering signing a marketing agreement with rival massively parallel supercomputer makers, thought by many insiders to include Thinking Machine Corp and Intel Corp. The potential alliances indicate that Cray Chmn Seymour Cray is rethinking his position on massively parallel technology, which Cray once derided as being impractical. At a shareholders' meeting, Cray states that increased market acceptance and added support from the US government may enhance massively parallel technology's future. The alliances, if formed, will not preclude Cray from selling its own standalone supercomputers. Cray Computer is running its fourth and fifth prototype of the massively parallel supercomputer and is expected to release a demonstration model as early as summer 1992.

Management, Usage, Debugging, Outlook, Strategic Planning, Product Development, Prototype, Chairmen, Marketing Agreements, Cray, Seymour R.

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Cray Computer, Thinking Machines to establish technical relationship

Article Abstract:

Cray Computer Corp and Thinking Machines Corp plan to establish a technical relationship in late 1992 which may lead to a massively parallel supercomputer. If the agreement is made, the two companies will install their computers together at the National Center of Atmospheric Research and conduct an experiment lasting six to twelve months that will involve using a Cray-3 system and an advanced Thinking Machines CM-5 system for meteorological applications. Before the agreement goes into effect, the companies will need to obtain funding from the Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency. Cray, which is struggling financially, experienced a jump in its stock prices of 37.5 cents per share Oct 30, 1992 because of news of the agreement. However, analysts warn that the agreement may not mean a very large financial benefit for Cray.

Research, Industrial research, Industrial cooperation, Research and Development, Parallel Processing, Cooperative Agreements, Thinking Machines Corp.

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