# Burton Smith

> American computer architect (1941-2018)

**Wikidata**: [Q5000922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5000922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burton_Smith)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/burton-smith

## Summary
Burton Smith was an American computer architect (1941–2018) known for pioneering work in scalable shared memory multiprocessors. He was a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and received prestigious awards for his contributions to computer science.

## Biography
- Born: March 21, 1941, Chapel Hill, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Pomona College, Cate School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Known for: Designing scalable shared memory multiprocessors
- Employer(s): Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Field(s): Computer architecture

## Contributions
Burton Smith made significant contributions to computer architecture, particularly in the design of scalable shared memory multiprocessors. His work focused on improving system performance and efficiency in parallel computing environments. He was a doctoral advisor to Frederick Clair Hennie III and was recognized for his pioneering efforts in the field. Smith’s research and innovations laid the groundwork for advancements in multiprocessor systems, influencing later developments in high-performance computing.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Burton Smith’s primary contribution to computer science?
A: Burton Smith is best known for his pioneering work in the design and implementation of scalable shared memory multiprocessors, which improved system performance in parallel computing.

### Q: Which awards did Burton Smith receive?
A: He received the Eckert–Mauchly Award (1991), the Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award (2003), the ACM Fellow distinction (1994), and the Charles Babbage Award (2010).

### Q: Where did Burton Smith earn his education?
A: He studied at Pomona College, Cate School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

### Q: Who were Burton Smith’s academic advisors?
A: He was advised by Frederick Clair Hennie III during his doctoral studies.

### Q: What organizations was Burton Smith affiliated with?
A: He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Association for Computing Machinery.

## Why They Matter
Burton Smith’s work in scalable shared memory multiprocessors was foundational for advancements in parallel computing. His research improved system efficiency and performance, directly influencing the development of high-performance computing systems. His contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the ACM Fellow distinction and the Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award. Smith’s innovations laid the groundwork for future developments in multiprocessor architectures, making him a key figure in the evolution of computer science.

## Notable For
- Pioneered scalable shared memory multiprocessors, improving parallel computing efficiency.
- Received the Eckert–Mauchly Award (1991) for his groundbreaking work.
- Named an ACM Fellow (1994) for contributions to computer architecture.
- Advised Frederick Clair Hennie III, shaping the next generation of computer scientists.
- Recognized with the Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award (2003) and the Charles Babbage Award (2010).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Burton Smith was born on March 21, 1941, in Chapel Hill, United States. He earned his education at Pomona College, Cate School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he contributed to the field of computer architecture.

### Career and Research
Smith’s career was marked by significant contributions to scalable shared memory multiprocessors. His work focused on improving system performance and efficiency in parallel computing environments. He was a doctoral advisor to Frederick Clair Hennie III, further influencing the field.

### Awards and Recognition
Smith received numerous prestigious awards, including the Eckert–Mauchly Award (1991), the Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award (2003), the ACM Fellow distinction (1994), and the Charles Babbage Award (2010). These accolades recognized his pioneering efforts in computer architecture.

### Legacy
Burton Smith’s innovations in scalable shared memory multiprocessors laid the groundwork for advancements in high-performance computing. His work influenced later developments in multiprocessor systems, making him a key figure in the evolution of computer science. Smith’s contributions continue to impact the field, ensuring his legacy in the history of computer architecture.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/smith_1148832)
3. [Source](https://www.computer.org/volunteering/awards/babbage)
4. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File