IBM Software Development Kit for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 delivers tools for Cell Broadband Engine application development
IBM United States Software Announcement 207-193August 28, 2007
 ENUS207193.PDF (32KB)
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At a glance
(Corrected on October 16, 2007)
Product and license names were corrected and the Ordering information was revised.
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| At a glance |
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The IBM Software Development Kit (SDK) for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 delivers:
- Multiple platform support for development
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Development libraries and frameworks
- Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) plug-ins for building, compiling, and debugging
- Dual-source compilers: IBM XL C/C++ for Multicore Acceleration for Linux and IBM XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux, available through IBM developerWorks
- Cell/B.E. and hybrid high-performance computing (HPC) software example code
- Product-level Accelerated Library Framework (ALF) and Data Communication and Synchronization (DaCS) for Cell/B.E.
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Performance tools
- Performance Debugging Tool
- Feedback Directed Program Restructuring (FDPR-Pro) for gathering information to facilitate optimization
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Market Segment Library Enablement
- Standardized single instruction multiple-data (SIMD) Math Libraries
- Highly Optimized Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS)
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| Overview |
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SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 contains the essential tools required for developing programs for the Cell/B.E.-based server — the IBM BladeCenter® QS21 with libraries, frameworks, and application development tools. The Synergistic Processing Elements (SPE) will be used for offloading numerically intensive computing functions from more general-purpose x86 and IBM POWER™-based processors.
The SDK is designed to allow customers, research institutions, and universities to port and optimize applications and algorithms quickly with existing software development staff.
Focusing on programmer productivity, the SDK includes tools for improving application development and performance optimization. Market segment enablement is offered through libraries such as BLAS.
The SDK is offered through IBM Passport Advantage® with support through IBM support channels. Along with the SDK, a number of beta and prototype components are available for download from IBM developerWorks™
The beta and prototype components found on developerWorks are available under the International License for Early Release of Programs.
Four development platforms can be used to facilitate application development: x86, x86_64, PPC64, and Cell/B.E. Architecture.
The SDK V3 is closely aligned with Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ 5 Update
1.
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| Key prerequisites |
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SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 runs on x86, x86_64, and PowerPC® platforms, such as the following:
- IBM BladeCenter QS21
- BladeCenter JS21 and IBM System p™ servers
- IBM System x™ servers
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| Planned availability dates |
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- October 19, 2007, for electronic software delivery
- November 15, 2007, for media
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| Description |
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The SDK contains the following components:
- An Eclipse-based IDE for building, compiling, and debugging applications leveraging the compilers, programming model frameworks, and analysis tools of the SDK.
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Development libraries and frameworks:
- The ALF provides a programming environment for data and task parallel applications and libraries. The ALF API is designed to provide library developers a set of interfaces to simplify library development on heterogeneous multicore systems. Library developers can use the framework to offload the computationally intensive work to the accelerators, facilitating the development of more complex applications by combining several function offload libraries.
- The DaCS library provides a set of services designed to ease the development of applications and application frameworks in a heterogeneous multitiered (for example, memory hierarchy) system. The DaCS services are implemented as a set of APIs that provide a layer of architectural neutrality for application developers on a variety of multicore memory hierarchy systems.
- BLAS is a widely used API for commonly used linear algebra operations in HPC and other scientific domains. BLAS is widely used as the basis for other high-quality linear algebra software.
- SIMD math libraries are available for the PowerPC Processor Element (PPE) Vector/SIMD Multimedia Extension and the Synergistic Processing Unit (SPU).
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Performance tools:
- The FDPR-Pro tool gathers information for feedback-directed optimization through static code analysis.
- Performance Debugging Tool provides tools to analyze the execution of Cell/B.E. applications and track problems to optimize performance.
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Example source code:
- Examples, libraries, demos, and code to demonstrate the use of tools, libraries, and hardware features are available. A tutorial to guide the user through the creation of an example application is also included.
- Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS) consists of libraries of mathematical intrinsic functions tuned for optimum performance on SPE and PPE. These libraries offer improved performance over the standard mathematical library routines, are thread-safe, and can be used by C, C++, and Fortran applications. The PPE libraries support both 32-bit and 64-bit compilations.
Beta and prototype components are available on IBM developerWorks
These components are available to increase the functionality of the SDK. When used in conjunction with the SDK, these components enable development of applications that run on hybrid HPC systems that leverage multiple QS21 blades for performance with x86-based or POWER processor-based servers.
Some of the SDK beta and prototype components are:
- IBM Full System Simulator, a tool that runs on non-blade environments that is useful for debugging or verifying a problem with applications which will be used in a blade or hybrid environment.
- IBM XL C/C++ for Multicore Acceleration for Linux (SS), a single source compiler that complies with the OpenMP API V2.5 specification to support porting applications to the Cell/B.E. environment. The compiler assists user-directed parallel regions to be executed on SPEs, addressing local store limitations through automatic code overlay generation and data transfers to or from main memory, while seeking to improve performance through parallel execution and new optimizations.
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Hybrid development libraries:
- The Accelerated Library Framework for Hybrid-x86 (ALF for Hybrid-x86) provides ALF function for the hybrid environment.
- The Data Communication and Synchronization library for Hybrid-x86 (DaCS for Hybrid-x86) enables writing from an x86 system to PPE on a Cell/B.E.- based blade server attached as an accelerator.
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Performance tools:
- Profile enhancements to improve the function of oProfile (a system-wide profiler on Linux) for Cell/B.E.-based blade servers
- Hybrid System Performance Monitoring and Trace Facility that enables performance monitoring and tracing in a hybrid environment
- Performance Debugging Tool (PDTR) for hybrid systems
- Hardware performance monitoring available through perfmon2 and CellPerfCount
- Public version of the secure SDK, the APIs and tools required to secure applications created by the SDK. See IBM developerWorks for contents.
Other beta and prototype components available from IBM developerWorks are:
- IBM XL C/C++ for Multicore Acceleration for Linux (DS), a dual-source optimized compiler for use in creating applications for the Cell/B.E. environment. The compiler adds improved performance in auto-SIMDization, automatic overlay support, and SPE code generation driven by an increasing number of test cases from customer-driven applications.
- IBM XL Fortran for Multicore Acceleration for Linux, a dual-source compiler with advanced optimization technology and VMX support for creation of high-performance 32-bit and 64-bit applications that run on Cell/B.E. environments. This compiler supports the Fortran array language, Fortran standard intrinsics, and Fortran constructs and loops.
For more information, see IBM developerWorks.
Visual Performance Analyzer is an Eclipse-based performance visualization toolkit that consists of four major components: Profile Analyzer, Code Analyzer, Pipeline Analyzer, and Counter Analyzer. It is available from IBM AlphaWorks®:
The target execution platform for applications created using SDK V3.0 is the BladeCenter QS21. The target Linux distribution is Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Update 1, planned to be available fourth quarter 2007.
The supported development environments are any x86, x86_64, or PowerPC platform. Examples of those are as follows:
- BladeCenter QS21
- BladeCenter JS21 and System p servers
- System x servers
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
Accessibility by people with disabilities: A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template containing details on the product's accessibility compliance can be requested at
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| Product positioning |
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SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3 can be beneficial for customers, research institutions, and universities that demand a reliable, easy-to-use development toolkit to port and optimize applications and algorithms to the BladeCenter QS21 with their existing software development staff.
Trademarks
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| Offering Information |
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Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Also, visit the Passport Advantage® Web site
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| Publications |
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The following publications are available with electronic download or on media:
Publication Title
SC33-8323-03 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Installation
SC33-8325-02 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Programmer's Guide
SC33-8333-02 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Accelerated
Library Framework for Cell/B.E.
Programmer's Guide and API Reference
SC33-8406-00 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Accelerated
Library Framework for Hybrid-x86
Programmer's Guide and API
Reference
SC33-8407-00 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Data
Communication and Synchronization
Library for Cell/B.E. Programmer's
Guide and API Reference
SC33-8408-00 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Data Communication
and Synchronization Library for
Hybrid-x86 Programmer's Guide and API
Reference
SC33-8334-01 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Synergistic
Processing Element Runtime Management
Library
SC33-8335-01 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Single Instruction
Multiple Data Math Library Specifications
SC33-8410-00 IBM Software Development Kit for
Multicore Acceleration Programming Tutorial
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
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large number of publications are available online in various file
formats, and they can all be downloaded by all countries, free of charge.
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| Technical information |
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Hardware requirements
The target execution platform for applications created using SDK V3.0 is the BladeCenter® QS21. The QS21 does not have any internal disk storage. Because Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ 5.1 does not directly support an nfsroot installation on the network, if there is no external disk attached, then a network boot image for the BladeCenter QS21 must be created on another 64-bit POWER™-based system with sufficient local disk space. Detailed instructions for this procedure are included in the product documentation.
The supported development environments are any x86, x86_64, or PowerPC® Platform. Examples of those are as follows:
- BladeCenter QS21
- System x™ servers
- BladeCenter JS21 and System p™ servers
Applications developed with the IBM SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 execute on BladeCenter QS21 machines. These applications may also execute on other Cell/B.E. architecture-compliant platforms but are not supported by IBM.
Software requirements
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Update 1, planned to be available fourth quarter 2007.
Companion products: The following product can be purchased with this product:
- BladeCenter QS21
Limitations: SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 does not support cluster-level software to create a cluster file system; cluster scheduler; a remote monitoring, event, and management structure; a protocol stack; or other cluster software.
For additional information, refer to the Terms and conditions section of this announcement, or to the License Information document that is available on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site
Planning information
Installability: The BladeCenter QS21 does not have any internal disk storage. Because Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Update 1 does not directly support an nfsroot installation on the network, then a network boot image for the BladeCenter QS21 must be created on another 64-bit POWER-based system with sufficient local disk space. Detailed instructions for this procedure are included in the product documentation.
Packaging: The SDK for Multicore Acceleration V3 ships in a media pack, including a CD-ROM. 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
SDK for Multicore Acceleration uses the security and auditability features of the Linux operating system. 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 |
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Product group: IBM Other Product Identifier Description (PID) IBM SDK for Multicore Acceleration 5724-S84 Product category: IBM Other
Charge metric
Part number or
Program name PID number Charge metric
IBM SDK for 5724-S84 1 Concurrent User License
Multicore
Acceleration V3.0
IBM Software 5724-S84 Processor Value Unit
Development Kit
for Multicore
Acceleration
Run Time V3
The IBM Software Development Kit (SDK) for Multicore Acceleration V3.0 offering consists of two programs, which are separately priced; the IBM Software Development Kit for Multicore Acceleration for Developers ("Toolkit") and the IBM Software Development Kit for Multicore Acceleration Runtime ("Runtime Code"). The installation program is used to select which program to install.
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The Toolkit is for software development. This program includes tools, libraries, samples, and an
execution environment needed for development and testing of Cell/B.E. processor applications.
Licensees of the Toolkit can use the Toolkit for the sole purposes of development, test, and demonstration. The charge metric for the Toolkit is a Concurrent User License and each Toolkit license includes one Concurrent User license. In addition, the Toolkit license includes the right to use the Toolkit for up to 50 IBM Cell/B.E. processor-based blade platforms. If licensees require use of the SDK for more than 50 IBM Cell/B.E. processor-based platforms, then copies of the separately licensed Runtime Code must be purchased. Runtime Code is licensed using Processor Value Units.
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The separately licensed Runtime Code includes the execution environment required for applications.
Licensees of the Runtime Code can use the Runtime Code for the purposes of installation, development, test, and deployment.
Runtime Code is licensed using Processor Value Units. You must acquire the appropriate number of Processor Value Units to authorize the use of the Runtime Code in a production environment. The Value Unit licensing model is described at
The program install application is used to select installation of the complete Toolkit (including Toolkit Runtime Environment) or just the Runtime Code.
Passport Advantage
Part
Program name/description number
Physical Media Pack BH000EN
IBM Software Development Kit
for Multicore Acceleration V3
License and Maintenance D61JWLL
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration for
Developers Cncnt User LIC+SW \
Maint 12 MO
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration for E042CLL
Developers Cncnt User ANNUAL
SW MAINT RNWL
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration for D61JXLL
Developers Cncnt User
SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 MO
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration D61JULL
Run Time Value Unit LIC+SW Maint 12 MO
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration E042BLL
Run Time Value Unit ANNUAL
SW MAINT RNWL
IBM SDK Multicore Acceleration D61JVLL
Run Time Value Unit
SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 MO
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| Terms and conditions |
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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.
Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information (LI) document and Proof of Entitlement (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.
License Information form number: L-SGAN-74USJD
The program's LI will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site
Limited warranty: Yes
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 because these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.
Authorization for use on home/portable computer: You may not copy and use this program on another computer without paying additional license fees.
Other terms
Volume orders (IVO): Yes. Contact your IBM representative.
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 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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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
Trademarks
