Paris-based Advanced Computer Research International SA, Jacques Stern’s new company that also has a base in Lyon and is designing a massively parallel processor around Digital Equipment Corp’s Alpha RISC (CI No 2,101), yesterday announced an agreement with Cray Research Inc to develop Fortran 90 compilers and applications for use on parallel systems. Under the agreement, ACSET, which develops compilers for Adnaced Computer in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, will use Cray’s advanced Fortran 90 front-end technology to create and market standard, fully Cray-compatible compilers for Advanced Computer and, eventually, other European computer manufacturers. At the same time, Cray will take an equity position in ACSET. Advanced Computer Research – ACRI – and Cray will also collaborate to convert and optimise applications codes on both companies’ parallel computer systems – Cray is also designing parallel machines around the Alpha RISC. Advanced Computer was founded in 1989 by Jacques Stern, founder of Sesa SA and former chief executive of Compagnie des Machines Bull SA, to develop a new generation of European high-performance systems for the scientific, technical and engineering markets. Advanced Computer says its Alpha machines are not due on the market before the end of 1995. The company holds a minority interest and helped found ACSET to develop and market compilers and other software engineering tools for parallel computers.
