The Multicomputer Toolbox/spl minus/first-generation scalable libraries

"First-generation" scalable parallel libraries have been achieved, and are maturing, within the Multicomputer Toolbox. The Toolbox includes sparse, dense, iterative linear algebra, a stiff ODE/DAE solver, and an open software technology for additional numerical algorithms. We have devised C-based strategies for useful classes of distributed data structures, including distributed matrices and vectors. The underlying Zip code message passing system has enabled process-grid abstractions of multicomputers, communication contexts, and process groups, all characteristics needed for building scalable libraries, and scalable application software. A data-distribution-independent approach to building scalable libraries is needed so that applications do not unnecessarily have to redistribute data at high expense. We discuss the strategy used for implementing data-distribution-independent mappings. We also indicate that data-distribution-independent algorithms are sometimes more efficient than fixed-data-distribution counterparts, because redistribution of data can be avoided, and that this question is strongly application dependent.<>