IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux exploits the capabilities of the POWER5+ processors

IBM United States Software Announcement 205-325
December 6, 2005

ENUS205-325.PDF (47KB)

Document options

At a glance	Offering information
Overview	Publications
Key prerequisites	Technical information
Planned availability dates	Ordering information
Description	Terms and conditions
Product positioning	Prices
Statement of direction	Order now

Printable version

At a glance

XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux exploits the capabilities of the POWER5+ processors and adds additional functionality.

New for V8.0 are:

Specific optimizations for the latest POWER5+ processors
Additional Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS) libraries for scalar and vector functions
Inclusion of the Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) libraries
Support for OpenMP API V2.5
New installation and configuration utility
Support for IBM Tivoli^® License Manager
New compiler options, built-in functions, and pragma directives

For ordering, contact:

Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: RE001).

Back top Back to top

Overview

IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux™ is an optimizing standards-based compiler for the following Linux distributions — SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 for IBM POWER™ and Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4 for IBM POWER. The compiler is an industry-standards-based professional programming tool that can be used for developing large, complex, computationally intensive 32-bit and 64-bit applications in the C and C++ programming languages.

IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux is the follow-on release to IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V7.0 for Linux. The XL family of IBM compilers now includes XL C/C++ Enterprise Edition for AIX^®, XL C Enterprise Edition for AIX, XL C/C++ Advanced Edition for Linux, XL C/C++ (z/OS^®), XL Fortran Enterprise Edition for AIX, and XL Fortran Advanced Edition for Linux. The C/C++ family of products also includes C/C++ for z/VM^®.

The XL C/C++ compiler has the ability to optimize and tune your application code for superior execution on IBM OpenPower™, BladeCenter^® JS20, System p5™, pSeries^®, i5, or iSeries™ machines supporting the IBM POWER4™, POWER5™, PowerPC^®, and PowerPC 970 systems. With the V8.0 release, the XL C/C++ compiler exploits, optimizes, and tunes for the latest POWER5+™ processors.

XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux now includes the IBM BLAS libraries in addition to the IBM MASS libraries. These libraries of highly tuned mathematical functions can help improve the performance of mathematically intensive applications.

The IBM XL C/C++ compiler continues to track to the latest international standards. XL C/C++ V8.0 now supports the OpenMP API V2.5 standard.

Back top Back to top

Key prerequisites

One of the following Linux distributions running on an IBM OpenPower, BladeCenter JS20, System p5, pSeries, i5, or iSeries machine:

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 Service Pack 2 for IBM POWER
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4 Update 2 for IBM POWER
System: IBM OpenPower, BladeCenter JS20, System p5, pSeries, iSeries, or i5 machine that is supported by the Linux distribution
Hard disk space:
- Approximately 200 MB for the product package
- At least 2 GB for paging
- At least 512 MB for temporary files
  High levels of optimization may require more space for paging and temporary files.

Planned availability dates

December 9, 2005: Electronic software delivery
January 6, 2006: Physical software delivery

Description

The IBM XL C/C++ compiler continues to offer more functionality and enhancements, especially in the categories of performance and optimization, support for language enhancements and APIs, ease of use, and new compiler options.

Performance and optimization

Many new features and enhancements fall into the category of optimization and performance tuning.

Architecture and processor-specific code tuning: The -qarch compiler option controls the particular instructions that are generated for the specified machine architecture. The -qtune compiler option adjusts the instructions, scheduling, and other optimizations to enhance performance on the specified hardware. These options work together to generate application code that gives the best performance for the specified architecture. XL C/C++ V8.0 augments the list of suboptions available to the -qarch compiler option to support newly-available POWER5+ processors and processors that support the VMX instruction set. The following new -qarch options are available:

-qarch=pwr5x
-qarch=ppc64v

High-performance libraries: XL C/C++ includes highly tuned mathematical functions that can help improve the performance of mathematically intensive applications. These functions are provided through the following high-performance libraries:

Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS): MASS libraries provide high-performance scalar and vector functions to perform common mathematical computations. The MASS libraries included with XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux introduce new scalar and vector functions, and new support for the POWER5 processor architecture.
Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS): XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux introduces the BLAS set of high-performance algebraic functions. You can use these functions to:
- Compute the matrix-vector product for a general matrix or its transpose
- Perform combined matrix multiplication and addition for general matrices or their transposes

Support for language enhancements and APIs

API and language enhancements can offer you additional ease of use and flexibility when developing your applications. In addition, it can make it easier for you to develop code that more fully exploits the capabilities of your hardware platform.

OpenMP API V2.5 support for C, C++, and Fortran: XL C/C++ now supports the OpenMP API V2.5 standard. This latest level of OpenMP combines the previous C/C++ and Fortran OpenMP specifications into one single specification for both C/C++ and Fortran, resolving previous inconsistencies between them.

The OpenMP API is a portable, scalable programming model with a standard interface for developing user-directed shared-memory parallelization in C, C++, and Fortran applications. The specification is defined by the OpenMP organization, a group of computer hardware and software vendors, including IBM. You can find more information about OpenMP specifications at

http://www.openmp.org

Ease of use

XL C/C++ includes the following new features to help you more easily use the compiler for your application development.

New installation and configuration utility: XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux introduces the xlc_install utility to help you easily install, configure, and upgrade the compiler on your system.

Support for IBM Tivoli License Manager (ITLM): ITLM is a Web-based solution that can help you manage software usage metering and license allocation services on supported systems. In general, ITLM recognizes and monitors the products that are installed and in use on your system.

IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux is ITLM-enabled for inventory and usage signature support. This means that ITLM is able to detect both product installation of XL C/C++ and its usage.

Note: ITLM is not a part of the XL C/C++ compiler offering, and must be purchased and installed separately.

Once installed and activated, ITLM scans your system for product inventory signatures that indicate whether a given product is installed on your system. ITLM also identifies product versions, releases, and modification levels.

For more information about IBM Tivoli License Manager Web, visit

http://www.ibm.com/software/tivoli/products/license-mgr

New compiler options, built-in functions, and pragma directives

Compiler options can be specified on the command line or through directives embedded in your application source files. Additional compiler options or suboptions, built-in functions, and pragma directives have been added in V8.0 to improve and add new functionality.

Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act

XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux is capable as of December 9, 2005, when used in accordance with IBM's associated documentation, of satisfying the applicable requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, provided that any assistive technology used with the product properly interoperates with it. A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can be requested via IBM's Web site

http://www-3.ibm.com/able/product_accessibility/index.html

Product positioning

XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux is part of the IBM family of C and C++ compilers that support a number of platforms (IBM and non-IBM). It joins XL C/C++ and XL C Enterprise Edition for AIX on pSeries, C/C++ for z/OS, ILE C/C++ for OS/400^® on iSeries, and C/C++ for z/VM. The code base for all of these compilers (C and C++) is the same. This will make source-level portability of your applications from these platforms to Linux easier than ever before.

XL C/C++ now supports the OpenMP API V2.5 standard, in addition to the revised 2003 international C++ standard ISO/IEC 14882:2003(E), Programming Languages — C++ and ISO/IEC 9899:1999, Programming Languages — C. With representation from the IBM compiler development team on the ISO/ANSI C committee and the ISO/ANSI C++ committee, IBM is in a position to understand the latest updates, clarifications, and recommendations to the C and C++ standards. Support of programming language standards allows for maximum portability of your source code among a variety of compiler implementations.

Back top Back to top

Statement of direction

IBM intends to deliver separate offerings containing the XL C/C++ compiler and XL Fortran compiler support for the IBM Blue Gene™ Gene system. Planned for availability before the end of 2006, these offerings will allow for more flexibility in the timely release of compiler functionality and optimizations to specifically support the Blue Gene system. The XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux and XL Fortran Advanced Edition V10.1 for Linux will not contain support for the Blue Gene system.

All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

Business Partner information

If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM, you may link directly to Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld ID and password are required (use IBM ID).

BP Attachment for Announcement Letter 205-325

Trademarks

: POWER, OpenPower, iSeries, System p5, POWER4, POWER5, POWER5+, and Blue Gene are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
: The e-business logo, AIX, z/OS, z/VM, BladeCenter, pSeries, PowerPC, Tivoli, and OS/400 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
: Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries or both.
: Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Back top Back to top

Offering information

Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site

http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi

Also, visit the Passport Advantage^® Web site

http://www.ibm.com/software/passportadvantage

Publications

No publications are shipped with this program.

The IBM Publications Center

http://www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order

The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items. Extensive search facilities are provided. Payment options for orders are via credit card (in the U.S.) or customer number for 50 countries. A large number of publications are available online in various file formats, and they can all be downloaded by all countries free of charge.

Displayable softcopy publications

The publications for IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux™ are offered in displayable softcopy form.

All unlicensed manuals are included.

The files are shipped on the CD-ROM.

Back top Back to top

Technical information

Specified operating environment

Hardware requirements

For XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux:
- System: IBM OpenPower™, BladeCenter^® JS20, System p5™, IBM pSeries^®, i5, or iSeries™ hardware as specified by the supported Linux distributions
- Hard disk space:
  - Approximately 200 MB for product packages
  - At least 2 GB (recommended) for paging
  - At least 512 MB for temporary files
  High levels of optimization may require more space for paging and temporary files.

Software requirements

One of the following Linux distributions on an IBM OpenPower, BladeCenter JS20, System p5, pSeries, i5, or iSeries hardware:
- SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 (SLES9) Service Pack 2 for IBM POWER™
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4 (RHEL4) Update 2 for IBM POWER
An instance of GCC:
- For RHEL4 — GCC 3.4.4
- For SLES9 — GCC 3.3.3
Optional GUI: K Desktop Environment (KDE) for applications and tools with an X-Windows graphical interface
Viewers to access and display the documentation such as:
- A frames-capable browser to access HTML documentation
- A PDF viewer to view PDF files

Planning information

Web information

For information regarding IBM XL C/C++ and XL C, visit
For information regarding IBM Application Development, visit

Packaging: The IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux package contains:

One CD-ROM containing the XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux compiler support
Passport Advantage Customer Letter
Passport Advantage Media Pack Pointer Sheet

This program when downloaded from a Web site, contains the applicable IBM license agreement, and License Information (LI), if appropriate, and will be presented for acceptance at the time of installation of the program. The license and LI will be stored in a directory such as LICENSE.TXT for future reference.

Security, auditability, and control

IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux uses the security and auditability features of the host hardware or software. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.

Back top Back to top

Ordering information

This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.

Product Group: IBM XL C/C++
Product Identifier Description: IBM XL C/C++
PID: 5724-M16
Product Category: XL C/C++

Charge metric

IBM XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux is a server product that has two charge units: per authorized user or per concurrent user.

These are available in fixed order quantities of one authorized user or one concurrent user.

Concurrent User

A Concurrent User also known as a Floating User (User) is one individual, machine, program, or device within or outside of your enterprise.

A Proof of Entitlement (PoE) is required for the highest number of Users simultaneously accessing the program or any program component either directly or indirectly through any means on behalf of the User. An example of "indirect" access would be through a multiplexing program, device, or application server.

A User can establish one or more connections and count as a single User.

Authorized User

An Authorized User is one and only one individual, machine, program, or device with a specific identity (ID) within or outside your enterprise.

A PoE is required for each User accessing the program or any program component either directly or indirectly through any means on behalf of the User. An example of "indirect" access would be through a multiplexing program, device, or application server.

The program can be accessed by multiple Users provided that a User authorization has been obtained for each individual User.

Users have unique specific identity and IDs cannot be shared.
An ID can establish one or more connections and count as a single User.

Passport Advantage

Program name/                                     Part
Description                                       number
 
XL C/C++ Advanced Edition                         BA0ENML
 V8 Linux Media Pack Multilingual
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         D54L0LL
 Concurrent User Lic + SW
 Maint 12 MO
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         E01M3LL
 Concurrent User Annual
 Maint Rewl
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         D54L1LL
 Concurrent User SW
 Maint Reinstate 12 MO
 
Program name/                                     Part
Description                                       number
 
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         D54KXLL
 Authorized User Lic + SW
 Maint 12 MO
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         E01M2LL
 Authorized User Annual
 Maint Rewl
XL C/C++ Adv Ed for Linux                         D54KYLL
 Authorized User SW
 Maint Reinstate 2 MO

                                             OTC            Medium
                             Program         feature        feature
Description                  number          number         number
 
XL C/C++ Advanced            5724-M16        0133
 Edition V8.0 for
 Linux per Authorized
 User + 1 Yr SW Maint
 
XL C/C++ Advanced            5724-M16        0134
 Edition V8.0 for
 Linux per Concurrent
 User + 1 Yr SW Maint
 
Media Package                                               5809
 (Multilingual)

OTC = One-time charge

Passport Advantage customer: Media pack entitlement details

Customers with active maintenance or subscription for the products listed below are entitled to receive the corresponding media pack.

Entitled Maintenance offerings description
 
XL C/C++ Advanced Edition for Linux
 
Media pack                                        Part
description                                       number
 
XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8                      BA0ENML
 Media Pack Multilingual

Basic license: To order the programs described in this announcement for 5724-M16 specify the type-model number and the applicable features from the tables below. The medium feature (CD-ROM) need only be specified as required.

                                  OTC                      Medium
                    Program       feature                  feature
Description         number        number       Medium      number
 
XL C/C++            5724-M16      0133         CD-ROM      NA
 Advanced
 Edition V8.0
 for Linux per
 Authorized
 User + 1 Yr
 SW Maint
 
                                  OTC                      Medium
                    Program       feature                  feature
Description         number        number       Medium      number
 
XL C/C++            5724-M16      0134         CD-ROM      NA
 Advanced
 Edition V8.0
 for Linux per
 Concurrent
 User + 1 Yr
 SW Maint
 
Media Package                                  CD-ROM      5809

NA = Not applicable

OTC = One-time charge

Maintenance offering customer: Media supply entitlement details

Customers with active Software Maintenance (5733-A96, 5733-A98, 5733-A97, 5733-D02, or 5733-D01) for XL C/C++ Advanced Edition for Linux are entitled to receive the media pack corresponding to XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8.0 for Linux as long as the level of the program continues to be available.

Eligible customers should add the applicable CD-ROM media supply feature number from the following table to their existing maintenance record.

Entitled maintenance offerings description
 
XL C/C++ Advanced Edition for Linux
 
                                                  Medium
                                                  feature
Description                                       number
 
XL C/C++ Advanced Edition V8 Linux                5809
 CD-ROM Media Supply

This software license includes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.

Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected. Order the program number, feature number, and quantity to extend coverage for your software licenses. If maintenance has expired, specify the After-license feature number.