Parallel Computing Hotbed

New Zealand could be a hub of expertise for parallel computing — “the future of computing” — according to software director at chip maker Intel James Reinders. Parallel computing is when software uses multicore chips to carry out calculations or perform functions simultaneously rather than sequentially. The net result for consumers is that applications and technology such as Facebook and 3-D television work faster or more effectively. Reinders said several organisations in New Zealand were already harnessing the potential of parallel computing, including visual effects firm Weta Digital and researchers such as NIWA. “[Weta Digital’s] use of parallel computing is astonishing and that level of expertise only exists in a few places in the world.” New Zealand’s joint-bid with Australia to host the SKA project also made it a natural home for parallel computing he said. “More so than most places New Zealand is a hotbed of the right sort of educated workforce with an entrepreneurial spirit.”