In the past several years, the rate of increase in clock rate of current generation microprocessors has been falling when compared to prior generations of microprocessors. As a result, a number of customers have been turning to hardware accelerator technologies to boost the application performance of various algorithms and asking HP for assistance in this area. In early 2006, the HP High Performance Computing Division (HPCD) formed the Accelerator Catalyst Team to investigate the field of hardware accelerators that would be useful to the HPC community. As an outgrowth of this team’s investigations, HPCD has launched the “Accelerator Collaboration as the newest special interest group within the HP Collaboration and Competency Network program
The Accelerator Collaboration provides a forum for members to exchange ideas and benefit from each others experiences using hardware application accelerators within various industry segments. Several hardware accelerator technologies have evolved over the past several years, including but not limited to:
- GPGPUs
- FPGAs
- Custom ASICs
Each of these technologies has its strengths and weaknesses when faced with various application constraints. Through the HP CCN member’s collaboration, we are able to develop the competency necessary to select and implement appropriate solutions for an application. Central to the HP CCN program goals is the opportunity to discuss and debate the benefits and requirements of various application accelerator technologies. As well, the Accelerator Collaboration is in the unique position to provide direct feedback to users, HP and accelerator vendors concerning the needs and requirements of the Accelerator Collaboration members.
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