Why BSP computers? (bulk-synchronous parallel computers)

Abstract

The author gives a summary of some of the arguments favoring the adoption of the bulk-synchronous parallel (BSP) model as a standard for parallel computing. First, he argues that for parallel computing to become a major industry, agreement has to be reached on a standard model at a level intermediate between the language and architecture levels. He goes on to list the factors that make the BSP model attractive as a standard at this intermediate or bridging level. Finally, he provides some reasons for favoring it over the shared memory or PRAM model which is an alternative candidate for this role.<>