For the first time in history, a computer has been designed that boasts
enough pure processing power to actually pose a serious challenge to Garry
Kasparov, the World Chess Champion. With the creation of the Deep Blue
computer, IBM has designed a system that can search through a century of
historical chess moves at speeds up to two hundred million positions per second. But
why build a system that plays chess? Other than Kasparov, who would be
interested in such a computer?
By learning from a "friendly" chess match - an extremely complex and
strategic game - the computer playing against Kasparov can be programmed to
solve complex but common problems that, historically, have been very costly
in terms of both time and money. The technology developed by the Deep Blue
experiment explores a new computing paradigm: combining both specialized
software and hardware with general purpose machines to more effectively
tackle difficult problems.
The power behind Deep Blue is an IBM RS/6000 SP system finely tuned with
customized processor chips designed by IBM Research. This combination enables
users to take on larger problems and use expert knowledge to analyze a deeper
number of possibilities as they seek a solution. Industries from express
shipping and air transportation to health insurance, financial investment,
cosmetics manufacturing and retail distribution can benefit from the Deep
Blue architecture.
The primary research goal of Deep Blue's development is to broaden the range
of applicability of the RS/6000 SP and to enhance its effectiveness through
new algorithms and technology. The methodology chosen is to explore and
understand the limits of massively parallel processing through the
development of Deep Blue, a computer system designed to play
chess at a grandmaster level.
The technological concept explored by Deep Blue is the utilization of
parallel special-purpose accelerators combined with a general-purpose
parallel system such as the IBM RS/6000 SP. The development of a system and
special-purpose accelerators for the game of chess was undertaken because
chess is widely known for its computational complexity and near endless
alternatives. But chess is also a game based on a small number of simple and easily
comprehended rules. These attributes make it an excellent candidate for
study.
The experience gained and the lessons learned through the study of chess are
applicable to many complex computer applications of significance commercially
and to society.
Other applications of Deep Blue technology
Financial modeling
Marketplace trends, risk analysis and more
Data mining
Uncovering hidden relationships and patterns in large databases
Molecular dynamics
A valuable tool in discovering and devleoping new drugs
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