On behalf of the SC'96 Executive Conference Committee I wish you a hearty welcome to the ninth in this series of conferences. This year's program is focused around the theme "Computers at Work," and you will be able to obtain a wealth of information on the latest developments in the application of high performance computing and communications technologies. Everyone recognizes that the use of these technologies in the industrial and commercial sector will be critical to its continued vitality. We have organized a superb technical program that is captured in these proceedings. In addition to attending the technical papers, tutorials, roundtables and panel discussions, exhibitor forum, and posters, you should take time to visit the exciting industry and research exhibit area which is centrally located within the Convention Center.
Each day will start with a featured plenary speaker. These speakers are well-known in the field and will undoubtably have interesting, thought-provoking and challenging remarks. One session you won't want to miss is the Awards Session on Thursday afternoon. Several people will be honored at this session, and the featured speaker is Erich Bloch of the Council on Competitiveness.
The networking component of this annual conference increases in importance and complexity each year. SCinet, the on-site network designed and built especially for these conferences, vividly demonstrates the role that high-performance computing and communications technologies have played and will continue to play in the economic development of the nation. This year the networking infrastructure includes a global wide area applications testbed, a commodity network and a high speed network.
The Education Program extends the conference theme to "Computers at Work in the Classroom" to focus on the program's emphasis on presenting successful classroom applications of high performance computing and communications (HPCC) technology. The goal of the program is to establish a collegial environment where teaching professionals present strategies and classroom management practices that have made their use of computational science and communications technologies an integral part of their teaching. Sessions for teachers will be presented Sunday through Tuesday.
And, we will use some time to "network" on a personal basis. We will again have an Opening Reception on Monday night, a poster reception for technical attendees on Wednesday and the Conference Reception at the Carnegie Science Center on Thursday evening.
Pittsburgh is looking forward to hosting this conference. The local officials have extended their welcome and invite you to explore the many attractions, from the new Regional History Center and the Andy Warhol Museum, to the numerous shops and eateries within a few blocks of the Convention Center. You may know Pittsburgh as home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, but Pittsburgh is also a high-tech city, and the residents are looking forward to showing you the hospitality of the area.
We are glad you are here at SC'96 -- to renew old acquaintenances and make new ones, to renew and update your storehouse of knowledge, and to renew your spirit with the opportunity to combine your interest in technologies with the chance to visit the many interesting attractions in the Pittsburgh area. The conference committee stands ready to provide any assistance you need before, during or after the conference.
Beverly Clayton
General Chair
Supercomputing '96
