Evolving the High Performance Computing and Communications Initiative to Support the Nation's Information Infrastructure (1995) / Chapter Skim
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Recommendations
Recommendations
Pages 53-66
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From page 53... ...
The committee's 13 recommendations address five different areas: · General research program; · lIigh-performance computing; · Networking and information infrastructure, including work focusing on the National Challenges; · The supercomputer centers and the Grand Challenge projects; and · Coordination and program management. Within each area the recommendations are presented in priority order.
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From page 54... ...
· Continue research on database and information systems for parallel machines. Such applications have increased in importance and represent a promising area for using parallel computing.
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From page 55... ...
Several existing applications enjoy widespread commercial use on large uniprocessor and vector machines; examples include third-party codes in chemistry, biomolecules, engineering fluid dynamics, deformable structures, and database access. It has been proposed by some that the HPCCI should fund transferring, or "porting," such applications to new types of parallel computers as a way to enhance the attractiveness of new parallel machines.
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From page 56... ...
Important precompetitive hardware research problems merit continued federal funding because the development of parallel computing architecture and gigabit networks will not be the final chapter in the continuing development of ever more powerful systems. The committee recommends that ongoing research efforts in hardware and architecture be based in academic and research institutions, possibly in collaboration with industry.
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From page 57... ...
RECOMMENDATIONS ON NETWORKING AND INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE The committee believes that the successes of the HPCCI in establishing scalable compute servers, investigating high-performance networks, and forming interdisciplinary teams of computer and application scientists are setting the stage for important new research to support enhancement of the nation's information infrastructure. An increased emphasis on the research needed to achieve such an infrastructure is desirable (CSTB, 1994~.
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From page 58... ...
Improving scalability and physical distribution requires investment in both: · Hardware anc! architecture, including systems that efficiently handle a rich mix of text, images, and audio and video data; systems that provide cost-effective, high-bandwidth, end-to-end communications; and systems that provide information access to large numbers of users; anti · Software, including basic networking software for encryption, routing, flow control, and so on; tools for providing and building such capabilities as scheduling, bandwidth optimization, video handling, and service adaptation; and many others.
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From page 59... ...
in academia, industry, and commerce. The centers have played a major role in establishing parallel computing as a full partner with the prior paradigms of scalar and vector computing.
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From page 60... ...
NSF could continue funding of the centers at the current level or alter that level, but it should continue using HPCC} funds to support applications that contribute to the evolution of the underlying computing and communications technologies, while support for general access by application scientists to maturing architectures should come increasingly from non-HPCCI funds. Examination of the supercomputer centers program should include identification of: · Emerging new roles for the centers in supporting changing national needs; and · Future funding mechanisms, including charging mechanisms and funding coupled to disciplinary directorates.
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From page 61... ...
Currently, although the scientific disciplines are providing major funding for Grand Challenge projects (e.g., more than 50 percent of requested FY 1995 funds for NSF Grand Challenges come from the scientific and engineering research directorates) , virtually all of the Grand Challenge funding is labeled HPCCI.
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From page 62... ...
Immediately appoint the congressionally mandated advisory committee intended to provide broad-based, active input to the HPCCT, or provide an effective alternative. The HPCCI could be improved by input from and review by an advisory committee with balanced representation from industry and academia, including current and potential users and developers of high-performance computing and communications.
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From page 63... ...
To stimulate the use of parallel computing early in the HPCCI s 5-year time frame, it has been appropriate and necessary to place into service a reasonable number of highly parallel machines for serious algorithm and software development. Early development of an adequate base of parallel computers was essential to shifting the attention of industry and research organizations toward parallel computing.
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From page 64... ...
research and development in general. Box 3.1 briefly compares applicable parts of that memorandum to the positions taken and actions recommended in this report of the Committee to Study High Performance Computing and Communications.
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From page 65... ...
:. : ..::: ~ :: I:: I: "Access :to and :~:lization of : the NlI Twill require services'::tools r: :and~ :i:nterfaces that facilitate :: : :a wide~range :of applications.: These include registries,: directories:, : navigation and resource : i: : i:: discovery tools, d:ata:interchange:formats, and :other id rmati n :ervices::that help sers -fi d: i::: :: ~ :: and.:.qu~e.ry:.serv'ices.:and':'com.ponen,ts in:.',d,istrib~.ted:'reposit.o,ries.
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From page 66... ...
7. The committee shares OSTP Director John Gibbons' concerns about the centralized management advocated by GAO (1994, p.
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