New project for Integrated Performance Analysis of Computer Systems introducedHeidelberg 20 jun 2002 Professor Dr. Hans Meuer from the University of Mannheim presented a new benchmark initiative for distributed computer systems at ISC2002 today. The project is called IPACS, which stands for Integrated Performance Analysis of Computer Systems.
With the continuing exponential growth of computer power and the growing relevance of PC Clusters, system benchmarks, like NPB and others, have to be put on a new basis. At present, reliable system benchmarks, other than the Linpack performance used in TOP500, which support the user in rating and obtaining computer systems, especially parallel systems, are lacking.
In co-operation with American researchers at LBNL / NERSC, IPACS wants to define a new basis for benchmarks measuring system performance of distributed systems. The following topics are the main work packages in IPACS: IPACS aims to develop methods of measurement based on new applications, low level, and grid benchmarks, which also allow performance prediction. These developments should provide the user with tools for optimising performance. A further significant element of the new benchmark environment is represented in the usability of the benchmarks. Mechanisms for the automatic installation and execution of benchmarks are being strived for. The IPACS project partners include Fraunhofer Institut für Techno- und Wirtschaftsmathematik (ITWM); Pallas GmbH, T-Systems, Solutions for Research GmbH; the High Performance Center at the University of Mannheim; and the Department of Technical Computing at the University of Rostock. The IPACS consortium receives funding from the German Federal Department of Education, Science, Research and Technology (BMBF), in the programme "High-Performance-Computing". More information is available at the IPACS web site.
Leslie Versweyveld |
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