A PVM extension for RAD environments

In the high performance computing area, the main goal of parallel programs is to minimize the execution time. Nowadays, this result can be achieved by the use of highly powerful computational resources, usually ar- ranged in cluster infrastructures composed of homogeneous/heterogeneous ma- chines interconnected by high speed communication networks. In these envi- ronments, PVM is considered a de facto standard programming paradigm. In fact, it helps with the development and the deployment of parallel algorithms, but it does not offer facilities that help with the creation of the remaining “building parts” of an application, such as the user interfaces. On the other hand, RAD is based on the availability of object-oriented visual application develop- ment tools. It refers to a methodology that uses computerized tools to give much faster development and higher quality results than the traditional system development. In this paper we present dlPVM, an implementation of the PVM library, built with the DLL technology. dlPVM can be used for writing parallel applications using RAD environments and it allows a programmer to code a PVM application utilizing different programming languages in Microsoft Win- dows operating systems. With dlPVM and RAD, existing PVM applications can be easily converted, rended more attractive and functional with graphical front-ends, useful for monitoring and showing the results of an elaboration.