DATE & TIME
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Member Reception - 6 PM - 7 PM
Lecture - 7 PM - 9 PM
Watch the Video!
Full Lecture - 09_21_06_THE_CRAY_1_SUPERCOMPUTER_CELEBRATING_THE_MAN_AND_THE_MACHINE-227MB
(Right Click and save file if you're experiencing trouble viewing while downloading)
LOCATION
Computer History Museum
1401 N. Shoreline Boulevard
Mountain View, CA 94043
Directions
REGISTRATION
Pre registration is now closed. Seats are still available for those who register at the door.
Free. Suggested donation of $10.00 at the door from non-members.
Call (650) 810-1898 for information.
ABSTRACT OF TALK
In 1976, Cray Research, Inc. delivered its first supercomputer to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, birthplace of the atomic bomb. The Cray-1, as it was known, was the fastest computer in the world and was a blend of Cray’s unique engineering style and an urgency for high performance computing borne of cold war competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.
For the next 30 years, Cray defined the limits of the possible for supercomputers by building the fastest machines in the world. In spite of the enormous influence on science and engineering of his machines, Seymour Cray himself worked in small groups in rural America and shunned publicity.
How could this one man and his hand-picked team of people build the fastest computers in the world? What does the Cray-1 tell us about the engineering, social and economic factors that coalesce into creating a stable technological artifact? Why did much larger computer companies abandon the field of supercomputing to this small but powerful foe? What, exactly, were these incredible machines used for?
These and other themes of the life and machines of Seymour Cray will be explored at the Computer History Museum in a panel lecture celebrating the Cray-1’s 30th anniversary. Panelists include: Bill Buzbee (Los Alamos, NCAR), Bo Ewald (Los Alamos, Cray) and Jack Worlton (Los Alamos). Burton Smith (Tera, Cray) will be the evening’s panel moderator.
A special gala photography exhibit of Cray Research by renowned American photographer Lee Friedlander will also be featured this night.
In 1975, as part of a special commission, American master photographer Lee Friedlander took these photographs at Cray Research, Inc., Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, birthplace of the Cray-1 supercomputer—then the fastest computer in the world.
The result was a landmark visual record documenting the assembly of this awe-inspiring machine and the people who made it. These photos formed part of a commemorative book given to Cray employees and a limited-edition set of photographs, part of which form this photo exhibit.
Together with tonight's panel discussion, guests will get a glimpse of the early world of high performance computing they won't see anywhere else. The photography exhibit runs only until December so be sure to visit!
BACKGROUND
The Computer History Museum Presents Speaker Series is an exclusive platform for open, passionate discussions for presenting the computing revolution and its impact on the human experience. These landmark presentations and panel discussions present inside stories and personal insights of top information age leaders from industry, government and academia, and assist the Museum in bringing computing history to life.
MEMBERSHIP
The Computer History Museum offers a variety of membership levels. To find out more, please visit our individual membership or call 650-810-2727.
