Fundamentals of Quantitative Design and Analysis - Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach - page 15

FIGURE 1.7 Summary of some of the most important functional requirements an archi-
tect faces . The left-hand column describes the class of requirement, while the right-hand
column gives specific examples. The right-hand column also contains references to chapters
and appendices that deal with the specific issues.
Architects must also be aware of important trends in both the technology and the use of
computers, as such trends affect not only the future cost but also the longevity of an architec-
ture.
1.4 Trends in Technology
If an instruction set architecture is to be successful, it must be designed to survive rapid
changes in computer technology. After all, a successful new instruction set architecture may
last decades—for example, the core of the IBM mainframe has been in use for nearly 50 years.
An architect must plan for technology changes that can increase the lifetime of a successful
computer.