OpenCL in Beta SDK for GPUs and Multicore CPUs
Chipmaker AMD has integrated the open standard OpenCL specification for parallel programming into its ATI Stream development environment.
The Open Computing Language (OpenCL) should allow developers to address both graphical and multicore processors for their parallel programming projects with a new beta version of the ATI Stream SDK version 2.0. The idea behind the OpenCL specification is to harmonize parallel programming for GPUs and multicore CPUs to improve speed and responsiveness.
By AMD's own reckoning, integrating the specification into its ATI development environment represents the first ever OpenCL development platform. The final version of ATI Stream SDK 2.0 is planned for later in 2009. The SDK is downloadable from the AMD project page as binaries in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The supported Linux distros are openSUSE 11 and Ubuntu 8.04. SDK use requires registration as an AMD developer, after which participation in their forum is available.
OpenCL is an open standard for parallel programming for multicore and graphics processors. The current specification version 1.0 has information on the C-based programming language and the platform-layer and runtime APIs. Around 30 firms are involved in its development, among them IBM, Intel, Toshiba, Freescale, Nvidia, QNX and Texas Instruments. The AMD ATI website includes an introduction to OpenCL. The Khronos Group, which is initiating the OpenCL development effort, has the full 300-page specification on their website.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.