Unmatched: 50 Years of Supercomputing

Unmatched: 50 Years of Supercomputing: A Personal Journey Accompanying the Evolution of a Powerful Tool is a book by David Barkai that offers a unique and compelling account of the progress of supercomputing over the past half-century. It explores five decade-long 'epochs' defined by systems architectural themes and illustrates how computing power has been applied and benefitted society in a range of industries and applications. The book appeals to students, general readers, and industry professionals interested in HPC.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Unmatched: 50 Years of Supercomputing: A Personal Journey Accompanying the Evolution of a Powerful Tool

The remarkable and rapid advancement of supercomputing over the past fifty years serves as a testament to our unwavering pursuit of understanding and shaping the world around us. In this captivating book, David Barkai presents a unique and captivating account of this extraordinary technological journey, drawing from his extensive experiences at the forefront of high-performance computing (HPC).

This book unfolds as a journey spanning five decades, each epoch defined by distinct systems architectural themes: vector processors, multi-processors, microprocessors, clusters, and accelerators, as well as cloud computing. The final chapter delves into critical issues of HPC and explores potential future directions.

A central objective of this book is to showcase the practical applications and societal benefits of computing power. Through a diverse range of industries and applications, from weather and climate modeling to engineering and life sciences, HPC is illustrated in action. This book appeals to students, enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike, offering valuable insights into the evolution of HPC and its profound impact on our lives.

In the Foreword, Horst Simon, Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Lab, highlights David Barkai's exceptional career spanning five decades. Simon praises Barkai's personal and professional insights, combined with his profound knowledge and passion for the field, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the evolution of HPC and its profound implications.

Unmatched: 50 Years of Supercomputing is a testament to our relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation, paving the way for a future where computing power continues to transform and enrich our world.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 176 x 253 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367479619