IBM XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 delivers Cell Broadband Engine Architecture application development capability

IBM United States Software Announcement 207-312
November 27, 2007

 

 ENUS207312.PDF (41KB)

 
Table of contents  Document options  
TOC link At a glance TOC link Offering Information
TOC link Overview TOC link Publications
TOC link Key prerequisites TOC link Technical information
TOC link Planned availability dates TOC link Ordering information
TOC link Description TOC link Terms and conditions
TOC link Product positioning TOC link Prices
TOC link Reference information TOC link Order now
 
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At a glance

Based on mature, high-performance IBM compiler technology, XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 includes:

For ordering, contact:

Your IBM representative or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: YE001).
 
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Overview

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux™ on System p™, V11.1 is the newest addition to the XL family of compilers. This version of XL Fortran is a cross-compiler. Compilations are hosted on a System p server, a PowerPC® processor-based blade server or a POWER™ processor-based blade server that generates optimized code for the Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.) processor within the BladeCenter® QS21. The XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p product gives application developers the tools to exploit the unique performance capability of processors compliant with the new Cell/B.E. Architecture.

The Cell/B.E. Architecture is an innovative and powerful microprocessor architecture that extends the 64-bit Power Architecture™ technology. It has the potential to accelerate applications in numerically intensive, graphical, and streaming applications, among others, in a variety of industries. The Cell/B.E. Architecture resulted from a collaboration between Sony, Toshiba, and IBM to develop the next-generation processor.

The XL family of compilers has grown at IBM beginning in the mid-1980's with development of the earliest IBM POWER-based AIX® systems. Since then, the compilers have been under continuous development, with special attention to producing highly optimized code that fully exploits the POWER and PowerPC range of systems. Recent additions to the XL family support the high-performance Blue Gene®/P and Blue Gene/L supercomputers.

All of this expertise and heritage serving the enterprise business and supercomputing environments is now unleashed to programmers of the Cell/B.E. Architecture, allowing them to take advantage of proven IBM compiler technology.
 
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Key prerequisites


 
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Planned availability dates

 
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Description

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 is part of a larger family of IBM Fortran and C/C++ compilers. These compilers are derived from a common code base that share compiler functions and optimization technologies on a variety of platforms and programming languages, such as AIX, selected Linux distributions, z/OS®, z/VM®, Blue Gene/L, and Blue Gene/P operating systems. The common code base, along with compliance with international programming language standards, helps support consistent compiler performance and ease of program portability across multiple operating systems and hardware platforms.

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 is a cross-compiler. Applications are compiled on a System p server, a PowerPC processor-based blade server or a POWER processor-based blade server running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1, with the resulting executable code targeted for a Cell/B.E. Architecture host also running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1.

At the heart of the new Cell/B.E. processor is the PPU. The PPU is a 64-bit processor fully compliant with the Power Architecture standard, and capable of running both operating systems and applications. The Cell/B.E. processor also incorporates a set of eight SPUs into its design. The SPUs are optimized for running computationally intensive applications, operate independently of each other, and can access memory shared between all SPUs and the PPU.

A highly configurable compiler

XL Fortran offers a wealth of features to allow the compiler to be tailored to unique compilation requirements.

Compiler invocation and linking commands: XL Fortran compiles PPU and SPU program code in separate steps using compiler invocation commands targeted specifically for each type of program code. Several versions of PPU-specific compiler invocation commands are provided. Besides ppuxlf , other variants are also provided to help meet special compilation needs. SPU-specific invocation commands are also provided with spuxlf and its variants.

Compiler options: A large selection of compiler options are available to control compiler behavior. Different categories of options help debug applications, optimize and tune application performance, select language levels and extensions for compatibility with non-standard features and behaviors supported by other Fortran compilers, and perform many other common tasks that would otherwise require changing the source code.

XL Fortran allows compiler options to be specified through a combination of environment variables, compiler configuration files, command line options, and compiler directive statements embedded in the program source.

Automated program analysis and tranformations

The XL Fortran compiler is capable of performing sophisticated program analysis and transformation of program code that can result in significant performance improvements with relatively little development effort. For example, the compiler can:

Program optimization

XL Fortran delivers several compiler options that can help control the optimization of application programs. With these options, you can:

XL Fortran also includes specific optimization features specifically tailored to exploit the unique performance capabilities of the Cell/B.E. processors.

Optimizing transformations can give applications better overall execution performance. XL Fortran offers a portfolio of optimizing transformations tailored to various supported hardware. These transformations can:

Language standards compliance

The XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p compiler supports the following programming language specifications for Fortran:

In addition to the standardized language levels, XL Fortran supports many industry language extensions, including extensions to support vector programming.

Enhanced support for Fortran 2003

XL Fortran supports many Fortran 2003 standard features, including:

This is one of the most complete Fortran 2003 implementation currently available, with Derived Type Parameters being the only major feature not yet implemented.

Fortran 2003 compiler invocations and file types

New compiler invocation commands instruct the compiler to adhere more closely to Fortran 2003 language standards when compiling your applications. The new invocations are:

In addition to new compiler invocations, this release of XL Fortran also adds support for new filename extensions:

Source-code migration and conformance checking

XL Fortran helps protect your investment in your existing Fortran source code by providing compiler invocation commands that instruct the compiler to compile your application code to a specific language level and warn you if it finds constructs and keywords that do not conform to the specified language level. You can also use the -qlanglvl compiler option to specify a given language level, and the compiler will issue warnings if language elements in your program source do not conform to that language level. Additionally, you can name your source files with common filename extensions such as .f77, .f90, f95, or .f03, then use the generic compiler invocations such as ppuxlf or ppuxlf_r to automatically select the language-level appropriate to the filename extension.

Libraries

XL Fortran includes the Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS).

MASS consists of libraries of mathematical intrinsic functions tuned for optimum performance on the SPUs and PPUs. These libraries offer improved performance over the standard mathematical library routines, are thread-safe, and can be used by Fortran, C and C++ applications. The PPU libraries support both 32- and 64-bit compilations. The MASS library is called automatically when specific levels of optimization are requested by the application. Explicit calls can also be made to MASS library functions regardless of whether optimization options are in effect or not.

Tools and utilities

XL Fortran contains tools and utilities for increased developer productivity including the following:

Diagnostic listings

The compiler output listing can provide important information to aid in development and debugging of applications more efficiently.

Listing information is organized into optional sections that can be included or omitted.

Symbolic debugger support

XL Fortran can be instructed to include debugging information in the compiled objects. This debug information can be examined by the debuggers provided by the IBM Software Development Kit for Multicore Acceleration, V3.0 to help debug application programs.

Accessibility by people with disabilities

A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at

Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 is capable as of November 30, 2007, when used in accordance with associated IBM 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 Web site at


 
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Product positioning

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 is part of a larger IBM family of Fortran and C/C++ compilers. These compilers are derived from a common code base that shares in compiler function and optimization technologies on a variety of platforms and programming languages, such as AIX, Linux distributions, z/OS, z/VM, Blue Gene/L, and Blue Gene/P operating systems.

The common code base, along with compliance with international programming language standards, helps support consistent compiler performance and ease of program portability across multiple operating systems and hardware platforms. Programmers who use XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p benefit from continuous improvements provided through ongoing development of the IBM XL family of compilers.

The Fortran compiler supports the Fortran 77, Fortran 95, Fortran 90 standard, and most of Fortran 2003 standard. With representation from the IBM compiler team on J3, the Fortran standards technical committee, IBM is in a position to understand the latest updates and clarifications to the Fortran standard. One of the benefits of conformance to language standards is that it emphasizes the maximum portability among a variety of compiler implementations that also support the standard.

Programmers can now take advantage of the IBM compiler optimization technology that is contained in XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p. There is the flexibility to choose from various levels and types of optimization to obtain moderate to significant performance improvements with relatively little development effort.

XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 brings with it IBM service and support (optionally available). The IBM Service and Support organization is made up of teams of individuals working together to provide you with the responsive platform and cross-platform software support that you require. For complex or code-related problems, IBM has specialized, skilled service teams with access to the experts in our development laboratories, as required. Therefore, there is access to the right level of IBM expertise when you need it — no matter where they are located.

The vision of IBM Service and Support is to achieve a level of support excellence that exceeds customer expectations and differentiates IBM in the marketplace.
 
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Reference information

Refer to 207-193 , dated August 28, 2007.

Trademarks

 
System p, POWER, and Power Architecture are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
PowerPC, BladeCenter, AIX, Blue Gene, z/OS, z/VM, and SAA 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.
 
Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. in the United States, other countries, or both and is used under license therefrom.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

 
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Offering Information

Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site

Also, visit the Passport Advantage® Web site


 
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Publications

No hardcopy publications are shipped with this program.

The IBM Publications Center

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 20 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 XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux™ on System p™ are offered in displayable softcopy form. All unlicensed manuals are included. The displayable manuals are part of the basic machine-readable material. The files are shipped on CD-ROM.

All unlicensed publications are also available from the XL Fortran Web site at


 
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Technical information

Hardware requirements

Software requirements

Planning information

Packaging

The XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1 package contains:

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

Security, auditability, and control

XL for Fortran Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p, V11.1, uses the security and auditability features of the host hardware and software. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.

Software Services

IBM Software Services has the breadth, depth, and reach to manage your services needs. You can leverage the deep technical skills of our lab-based, software services team and the business consulting, project management, and infrastructure expertise of our IBM Global Services team. Also, we extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business Partners to provide an unmatched portfolio of capabilities. Together, we provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and technology leadership to support any critical business need.

To learn more about IBM Software Services or to contact a Software Services sales specialist, visit


 
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Ordering information

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

Product group: XL Fortrn
  Product Identifier Description (PID)
     XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux on System p
     (5724-T44)
 
Product category: XL Fortran

Charge metric 

                             Part number or
Program name                 PID number      Charge metric
 
XL Fortran for Multicore     5724-T44        Authorized user
 Acceleration for Linux                       Concurrent user
 on System p, V11.1
XL Fortran for Multicore     BA0KWEN         Authorized user
 Acceleration for Linux                       Concurrent user
 on System p, V11.1

Concurrent user

A concurrent user is one and only one individual within or outside your enterprise. The number of proofs of entitlement (PoEs) required is for the highest number of users simultaneously accessing the program or any program components either directly or indirectly (via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means on behalf of the user.

Authorized user

An authorized user is one and only one individual (named or unnamed) within or outside your enterprise. A PoE must be obtained for each individual user accessing the program in any manner. A program licensed under an authorized user PoE may be installed on a single computer or server, and accessed by multiple users, provided that a PoE has been obtained for each individual user accessing the program either directly or indirectly (via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means on behalf of the user.

Passport Advantage 

                                                 Part
Program name/description                         number
 
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p, V11.1
   Media Pack                                    BA0KWEN
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p,
   Auth. User LIC+SW MAINT 12 MO                 D61P5LL
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p
   Auth. User ANNUAL SW MAINT RNWL               E044ULL
XL Fortran  for MA for Linux on p
   Auth. User SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 MO           D61P7LL
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p
 
   Con. User LIC+SW MAINT 12 MO                  D61P6LL
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p
   Con. User ANNUAL SW MAINT RNWL                E044VLL
XL Fortran for MA for Linux on p
   Con. User SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 MO            D61P8LL

 
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Terms and conditions

The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only. The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement, and the IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.

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

Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information (LI) document and PoE govern your use of the program. PoEs are required for all authorized use. Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only and do not include Software Maintenance.

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

License Information form number: L-JYEE-76LGYA

The program's License Information will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site

Limited warranty applies: Yes

Limited warranty: IBM warrants that when the program is used in the specified operating environment, it will conform to its specifications. The warranty applies only to the unmodified portion of the program. IBM does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the program or that IBM will correct all program defects. You are responsible for the results obtained from the use of the program.

IBM provides you with access to IBM databases containing information on known program defects, defect corrections, restrictions, and bypasses at no additional charge. Consult the IBM Software Support Guide for further information at

IBM will maintain this information for at least one year after the original licensee acquires the program (warranty period).

Program technical support: Technical support of a program product will be available for a minimum of three years from the general availability date, as long as your Software Maintenance is in effect. This technical support allows you to obtain assistance (via telephone or electronic means) from IBM for product-specific, task-oriented questions regarding the installation and operation of the program product. Software Maintenance also provides you with access to updates, releases, and versions of the program. You will be notified, via announcement letter, of discontinuance of support with 12 months' notice. If you require additional technical support from IBM, including an extension of support beyond the discontinuance date, contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner. This extension may be available for a fee.

Money-back guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for instructions on how to obtain the refund.

For clarification, note that (1) for programs acquired under the IBM International Passport Advantage offering, this term applies only to your first acquisition of the program and (2) for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.

Authorization for use on home/portable computer: The program may be stored on the primary machine and another machine, provided that the program is not in active use on both machines at the same time.

Other terms

Volume orders (IVO): No

Passport Advantage applies: Yes, and through the Passport Advantage Web site at

Software Maintenance applies: Yes. Software Maintenance is included with licenses purchased through Passport Advantage and Passport Advantage Express. Product upgrades and Technical Support are provided by the Software Maintenance offering as described in the Agreements. Product upgrades provide the latest versions and releases to entitled software and Technical Support provides voice and electronic access to IBM support organizations, worldwide.

IBM includes one year of Software Maintenance with each program license acquired. The initial period of Software Maintenance can be extended by the purchase of a renewal option, if available.

While your Software Maintenance is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions, and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support center. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Guide at

Software Maintenance does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under the applicable agreements.

For additional information about the International Passport Advantage Agreement and the IBM International Passport Advantage Express Agreement, visit the Passport Advantage Web site at

System i™ Software Maintenance applies: No

Variable charges apply: No

Educational allowance available: Not applicable
 
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Prices

Passport Advantage

For Passport Advantage information and charges, contact your IBM representative or authorized IBM Business Partner. Additional information is also available on the following Passport Advantage Web site

Business Partner information:

If you are an IBM Business Partner — Distributor for Workstation Software acquiring products from IBM, you may link to Passport Advantage Online for resellers where you can obtain Business Partner pricing information. An IBM ID and password are required.


 
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Order now

To order, contact the Americas Call Centers or your local IBM representative.

To identify your local IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968). 

 Phone:      800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
 Fax:        800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
 Internet:   callserv@ca.ibm.com
 Mail:       IBM Teleweb Customer Support
             ibm.com Sales Execution Center, Americas North
             3500 Steeles Ave. East, Tower 3/4
             Markham, Ontario
             Canada
             L3R 2Z1
 
 Reference:  YE001

The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.

Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.

Trademarks

 
System p, POWER, and System i are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
Passport Advantage, PowerPC, BladeCenter, and PartnerWorld 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.

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