Grosch’S Law

Published Mar 22, 2024

Definition of Grosch’s Law

Grosch’s law, named after computer scientist Herbert Grosch in the mid-20th century, posits that computer performance increases as the square of the cost. In more specific terms, Grosch’s law suggests that the power of a computer (or computer-like devices) grows at a much faster rate than linear with respect to its price. Essentially, doubling the investment in computing power yields more than double the performance improvements. This principle was more applicable during the early years of computing, where large-scale, mainframe computers dominated the industry.

Example

Imagine the scenario in the 1960s, where a business decided to upgrade its computing capabilities. At that time, a mainframe computer costing $50,000 might have a certain level of performance. According to Grosch’s law, by spending twice as much (i.e., $100,000), one wouldn’t merely double the performance but could potentially quadruple it. This reflected the reality of early computer hardware, where significant investments could lead to disproportionately higher computing capabilities.

However, as computing technology evolved, particularly with the advent of personal computers and later smartphones and tablets, Grosch’s law started to lose its applicability. The diversification of computing needs and the broadening of the market introduced a wide range of performance and cost options that did not strictly adhere to the square law relationship.

Why Grosch’s Law Matters

Grosch’s law played a pivotal role in the strategic planning of early IT infrastructure within organizations. It underscored the importance of investment in high-performance computing systems, suggesting that bigger investments in computational resources would yield disproportionately greater dividends in performance. This principle encouraged companies to pursue large-scale, centralized computing solutions to maximize their return on investment.

Additionally, Grosch’s law was significant in the development of the computing industry, influencing both the design of computer architectures and the marketing strategies of computer manufacturers. It highlighted a period in computing history where performance was closely linked to hardware capabilities and financial investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Grosch’s law still relevant today?

Today, Grosch’s law is considered largely obsolete due to changes in technology and the market. The diversification of computing needs, the rise of distributed computing, and advancements in microprocessor technology mean that performance does not necessarily scale with cost in the way Grosch’s law describes. Computing is now more about efficiency, scalability, and suitability to specific tasks rather than raw power alone.

Did Grosch’s law apply to all types of computers?

Grosch’s law was primarily relevant to the early generations of mainframe and mini computers, where significant investments were made in large, centralized computing systems. As computing technology evolved and personal computers became prevalent, the law’s applicability diminished. It did not account for the exponential increases in efficiency and performance at lower costs seen in later decades.

How did Grosch’s law influence computer design?

In its time, Grosch’s law influenced computer design by encouraging the development of large, powerful computing systems. It suggested that maximizing computing power was a cost-effective strategy, leading to the emphasis on high-performance mainframes. However, this philosophy began to shift as new technologies emerged, enabling powerful computing at lower costs and in smaller form factors.

Grosch’s law offers a historical perspective on the relationship between cost and performance in the computing industry. Though it no longer holds in today’s diverse and rapidly evolving tech landscape, it represents an important principle from the early days of computer science, highlighting how the industry’s focus has shifted from sheer computing power to versatility, efficiency, and accessibility. As with many aspects of technology, what was once a guiding principle becomes a part of the historical tapestry, informing but not dictating current trends and future directions.