BLAS (Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines), Linear Algebra Modules and Supercomputers.

Abstract

Abstract : On October 29 and 30, 1984 about 20 people met at Purdue University to consider extensions to the Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (BLAS) and linear algebra software modules in general. The need for these extensions and new sets of modules is largely due to the advent of new supercomputer architectures which make it difficult for ordinary coding techniques to achieve even a significant fraction of the potential computing power. The workshop format was one of informal presentations with ample discussions followed by sessions of general discussions of the issues raised. This report is a summary of the presentations, the issues raised, the conclusions reached and the open issue discussions. Each participant had a opportunity to comment on this report, but it also clearly reflects the author's filtering of the extensive discussions. Section 2 describes seven proposals for linear algebra software modules and Section 3 describes four presentations on the use of such modules. Discussion summaries are given next; Section 4 for those where near concensus was reached and Section 5 where the issues were left open. (Author)