ScaLAPACK achieves high performance on distributed memory computers, such as the SP2, T3D, T3E, and Paragon. ScaLAPACK can also achieve high performance on some networks of workstations .
Distributed memory computers are intended to be used primarily to run parallel programs. They typically include an efficient message-passing system, a one-to-one mapping of processes to processors, a gang scheduler and a well-connected communications network. Networks of workstations may be designed primarily for use as individual workstations and may not have all of these important features.