Scumbria,<<<Most apps don't need more memory bandwidth. Linked lists (the core of most database apps) are much more dependent on latency than bandwidth.>>>
I agree. In fact, for most traditional business applications you don't need more than an Athlon server connecting a few dozen PC's through a few 3COM hubs, several gigabytes of data storage, and some heavy duty printers. If you had some decent software, you could probably manage 90% of the world's business that have gross revenues of $1B or less with such a configuration.
With that configuration, you could probably enter all your orders, provide tons of sales reports, send out thousands of invoices, manage collections, send out all your purchase orders, maintain your accounts payable, and provide yourself with almost up to the minute P&L.
I truly beleive that is possible. However, having said that, I don't think that is going to cut it in the very near future of this global economy. The bar will be raised quite dramatically in the near future.
I still remember the days when you could make quite a presentation by just having it typed out on an IBM selectric typewriter and putting the handouts in plastic binders.
In today's world, even the kids in 5th grade are doing their show and tell using fancy PowerPoint presentations.
Just five years ago, kids graduating from the great colleges inthe world didn't have to know anything about how to use a computer.
What I am driving at is this. The changes that are going to occur in the next five years wrt to computer usage will outstrip everything that has occurred in this area since the dawn of civilization.
The uses that people will demand of microprocessors that you design will amaze you. I just don't think that you will be able to keep with memory bandwidth and other demands that will be made of your microprocessors.
That is just my (a lay persons) opinion - and I do thoroughly respect your technical expertise in this area.
Mary |
