Parallel Matrix Distributions: Have we been doing it all right?
Majed Sidani, Bill Harrod · 1996
Introduction Providing a framework for matrix distributions in parallel linear algebra libraries that is flexible enough for parallel applications developers is an important feature. The added flexibility could however result in added complexity in the libraries development and present the developers with many challenges. A new package [6], PLAPACK, containing a number of parallel linear algebra solvers, was brought to our attention as a prototype of a more flexible alternative to ScaLAPACK ([3]). The parallel matrix distribution in PLAPACK, its authors submitted, is the new feature that allowed the superior flexibility where applications developers are concerned. The purpose of this short note is to show that the PLAPACK matrix distribution scheme is a variation on the ScaLAPACK scheme. The answer to the question we asked in the title is: Yes! What prompted the question -- and supports the answer -- is the fact that the authors of PLAPACK started their investigation by conside