Considerations in Developing High-Performance Systems with Standard Graphics Software

Abstract

The formally sanctioned graphics standards inevitably lag behind both hardware technology and the demands of graphics users. As a result, standards-based software cannot meet all of the needs of the developers of high-performance graphics systems. Nonetheless, developers can realize considerable benefits by building their systems software with available tools that adhere to the standards, but that implement those standards in a forward-looking, flexible manner. In selecting and using graphics software tools, two important criteria are a versatile structure that promotes efficient operation in diverse environments, and device-intelligent device drivers that allow maximal access to the capabilities of advanced graphics devices.