'Micros' vs. supercomputers

Article Abstract:

Convex Computer Corp will introduce its first supercomputer on May 7, 1991, which constitutes a threat to Cray Research Inc, the leader in the supercomputer industry. Cray Chmn John A. Rollwagen, however, is even more concerned about competition from 'killer micros.' According to Rollwagen, the most serious competitor in the future will be neither Convex nor the Japanese. Scientific workstations, Rollwagen points out, are already outperforming traditional supercomputers at some tasks, and workstations are evolving, with a new generation appearing every 18 months. Cray is taking steps to meet the threat: the company is developing software designed to run on networks with a supercomputer at the center and workstations plugged in. Cray is also moving into 'massive parallel computing.' Rollwagen believes that between Cray and the workstations, Convex may be squeezed out in the middle.

Planning, Product development, Microcomputers, Forecasts and trends, Technological forecasting, Cray Research Inc., CYR, Workstations (Computers), Workstations, Microcomputer, Strategic Planning, Company Profile, Competition, Future of Computing, Convex Computer Corp., Minisupercomputers, Rollwagen, John A., CNX

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U.S. debates selling supercomputers to 3 nations

Article Abstract:

The US government is divided over whether to allow the sale of supercomputers that can be used to design nuclear weapons to three nations known to be interested in nuclear technology. The three nations, Brazil, India and Israel, assure the US that the supercomputers will only be used for civilian purposes, but the Pentagon and several other agencies are still against the export licensing of the equipment. The US State Department and the Department of Commerce, which has the final say about the license, both want the sale to be approved. Export to other countries is important because Japan has just begun a supercomputer export business. The US would be out of competition with the Japan if the license is not approved. Supercomputers assist in the development of nuclear bombs by precluding test explosions, important for these less-than-wealthy nations.

International affairs, Israel, Economic policy, International relations, Brazil, India, Military policy, Design, Nuclear weapons, United States. Department of Commerce, Bush, George H.W.

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Export restrictions fail to halt spread of supercomputers

Article Abstract:

Military analysts are concerned about the proliferation of computers in the supercomputer class despite export restrictions designed to keep them away from countries that may be designing advanced weapons systems. Previously Japan and the US had control over machines in the supercomputer class, but recently several countries including West Germany, Britain, Switzerland, Brazil, Bulgaria and India have all developed sophisticated computers. Observers say the proliferation is attributable to the availability of microprocessors, several of which can be tied together to work in tandem to form a supercomputer. However, analysts also point out that developing the software to take advantage of the supercomputers may be more difficult.

International aspects, Weapons, Weapons systems, Government Regulation

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