It is anticipated that the readership for this report will be diverse with varying purposes and needs. The structure of this report reflects the implied set of distinct requirements and is designed to serve the needs of its potentially broad audience. For this reason, it includes in-depth technical reports, overview and summary presentations, and analysis discussions that synthesize the results and offer possible implications. For purposes of future planning, some recommendations are included as well with the focus on refining the findings of the workshop and reducing some of the remaining uncertainties.
Part I describes the workshop in terms of its motivation, objectives, approach, and organization. It sets the tone for the rest of the report and should be of interest to all readers. Part II provides the four detailed technical reports from the working groups. These are the sources of in-depth information and will be of interest to those seeking in-depth coverage of the topic areas. Part II also includes a summary chapter briefly presenting the highlights of each of the working group reports and should be of use to those desiring a quick exposure to the work of the groups without the need to delve into the reports themselves. The summary chapter also is useful as a preview of the working group reports and helps to establish the information framework into which the more detailed discussions fit. Part III presents a synthesis of the workshop findings and an analysis of the major issues exposed. Their implications for the ultimate feasibility and effective utility of PetaFLOPS computing systems are delineated and possible early actions are suggested. Separate chapters for major findings, issues and implications, and recommendations are included to make each kind of information easily accessible.
The report includes contributions from many colleagues. These take the form of ideas and assessments represented within the report as well as actual sections of text incorporated directly. It would be impossible to name each contribution or give due credit on a case by case basis. But it would have been impossible to produce such a substantive and forward-looking technical report without the significant efforts and the high quality of contributions provided by all involved. The editors wish to express their recognition and appreciation to everyone involved. The reader should be aware that this is a rare work of collaboration, unmatched in recent years by our community.