info-sequent-request@im4u.UUCP (12/05/85)
From: vrdxhq!verdix!sfz@SEISMO.CSS.GOV (Stephen Zeigler) We (Verdix Corp) were able to validate our Ada compiler for the Balance 8000 (12 10MHz-processors, 16 MB memory, Dynix Rel 1.3) in 4 hours and 2 minutes. The Ada validation test suite consists of about 2500 Ada tests, verifying the compliance of our compiler to the standard Ada Language Reference Manual. Each chapter can be compiled independently of the others. This is the fastest validation time for any compiler on any machine by any Ada compiler vendor that we are aware of. Our second best time was on a VAX 8600 running Ultrix, where validation (on a somewhat smaller number of tests) took about 5 hours and 15 minutes. Verdix is not part of Sequent, however we do have some contracts with them. Sequent loaned us 8 processors and 12 MB of memory to do the validation. We believe we are going to sell a lot of Ada development systems for the B8K -- it is an extremely nice system for doing software development. Its major strength is its predictable response time - even with many users doing CPU and I/O intensive operations, the B8k stays at essentially load-factor 1.0. We have seen load factors of 1.2 when only when five simultaneous compiles were happening on a four processor system. Even 12 simultaneous compiles barely phased the twelve processor system. We see the B8k as an ideal machine for supporting relatively large numbers of programmers. Universities are a perfect match, from what we see. Steve Zeigler Verdix Corporation verdix!sfz