|
SPECapcSM Project
Group Overview
SPEC/GPC's Application Performance Characterization Group (SPECapc)
was formed in 1997 to address graphics performance evaluation based
on actual software applications. SPECapc was an off-shoot of its sister
organization, SPECopc. SPECapc became part of SPEC (Standard Performance
Evaluation Corporation) to take advantage of the systems and procedures
the group had in place to standardize the benchmarking process -- from
review processes and reporting formats to standardized workloads and
measurement criteria. This decision saved administrative time and resources
and allowed the group to focus on developing and maintaining benchmarks.
The non-profit SPECapc project provides clear methods for evaluating
and comparing the graphics performance of computers across vendor platforms
and configurations. SPECapc's benchmarks are application-based, representative
of end user needs, and represent total system performance -- graphics,
I/O and CPU. The members of SPECapc feel that end users will benefit
from a broad-ranging set of standardized benchmarks that characterize
the performance of computer systems running graphics-focused applications.
SPECapc has defined the following goals in support of its benchmarking
efforts:
- Develop a broad range of free, standardized performance evaluation
tools for graphics-intensive programs that are unambiguous,
vendor-neutral measures for product evaluation and comparison.
- Provide mechanisms that enable vendors, customers and others
to perform their own performance measurement and evaluations.
- Provide formal software releases based on current graphics-intensive
applications to the public in a timely fashion.
- Contribute to the coherence of the field of graphics performance
evaluation so that vendors will be better able to present well-defined
measures, and customers will be better able to compare and evaluate
vendors' products and environments.
SPECapc's Methodology
SPECapc evaluates consumer need, market data, member company knowledge
and ISV input to determine relative market segments and important applications
in those segments. SPECapc has developed benchmarks for CAD/CAM/CAE
and digital content creation (DCC) applications, including 3ds max,
Maya, Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, Solid Edge and Unigraphics.
Like the applications they evaluate, the SPECapc benchmarks are targeted
at a specific level of hardware, such as PCs or high-end workstations.
Because of this, SPECapc benchmarks are not required to run on all platforms.
SPECapc group members sponsor applications and work with end-users,
user groups, publications and ISVs to select and refine workloads,
which consist of data sets and benchmark script files. Workloads
are determined by end-users and ISVs, not SPECapc group members.
These workloads will evolve over time in conjunction with end-users'
needs and the increasing functionality of PCs and workstations.
Structure and Membership
The SPECapc project subcommittee is a non-profit group whose
general costs are paid via membership fees or dues. Any company,
individual, institution or other group can become a sustaining
member at any point in the development phase by remitting these
dues. The project subcommittee will put in place and maintain
an appeals process through which any interested or affected party
may register and have heard a complaint concerning committee action
or inaction. The principles of due process and antitrust compliance
are adhered to by the subcommittee at all times.
Find out more about the benefits
of SPECapc membership, how you can take advantage of the project
group's review and publication
process, or how to help
develop a SPECapc benchmark. For specific queries, e-mail
SPECapc.
|
