Chapter 14: Support for Parallel Processing


Definition of Parallel Processing

SAS 9 supports a new wave of SAS functionality related to parallel processing. Parallel processing refers to processing that is handled by multiple CPUs simultaneously . This technology takes advantage of hardware that has multiple CPUs, called SMP machines , and provides performance gains for two types of SAS processes:

  • threaded I/O

  • threaded application processing.

SMP machines have multiple CPUs and an operating environment that can spawn and manage multiple pieces of executable code called threads . A thread is a single, independent flow of control through a program or within a process. Threading takes advantage of multiple CPUs by dividing processing among the available CPUs. A thread-enabled operating environment provides support for threads; for example, each thread needs a context (like a register set and a program counter), a segment of code to execute, and a piece of memory to use in the process.

Even if your site does not use an SMP machine, SAS 9 can still provide increased performance. Some types of threading can be performed using a single CPU.




SAS 9.1.3 Language Reference. Concepts
SAS 9.1.3 Language Reference: Concepts, Third Edition, Volumes 1 and 2
ISBN: 1590478401
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 258

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