Book Description

This volume contains papers presented at the NATO sponsored Advanced Research Workshop on "Software for Parallel Computation" held at the University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy, from June 22 to June 26, 1992. The purpose of the workshop was to evaluate the current state-of-the-art of the software for parallel computation, identify the main factors inhibiting practical applications of parallel computers and suggest possible remedies. In particular it focused on parallel software, programming tools, and practical experience of using parallel computers for solving demanding problems. Critical issues relative to the practical use of parallel computing included: portability, reusability and debugging, parallelization of sequential programs, construction of parallel algorithms, and performance of parallel programs and systems. In addition to NATO, the principal sponsor, the following organizations provided a generous support for the workshop: CERFACS, France, C.I.R.A., Italy, C.N.R., Italy, University of Calabria, Italy, ALENIA, Italy, The Boeing Company, U.S.A., CISE, Italy, ENEL - D.S.R., Italy, Alliant Computer Systems, Bull RN Sud, Italy, Convex Computer, Digital Equipment Corporation, Rewlett Packard, Meiko Scientific, U.K., PARSYTEC Computer, Germany, TELMAT Informatique, France, Thinking Machines Corporation.