Method and apparatus for implementing a workgroup server array

A workgroup server array system comprising:

• a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses;
• each said group being connected to a workgroup server link;
• a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link;
• said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link;
• said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.

In a multiple processor computer system having a plurality of TeamProcessors each having a multiple CPU computing platform and a workgroup server link connecting the TeamProcessor to a shared plurality of direct access team servers, a method of team server coordination and supervision, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting a first one of said TeamProcessors as TeamManager;
• employing said selected TeamManager to monitor the status of all of the remaining TeamProcessors;
• each TeamProcessor sending its status information to said TeamManager;
• said TeamManager compiling a management-based status table corresponding to status information received from said TeamProcessors.

A workgroup server duster having a plurality of interconnected workgroup server arrays, each such server array comprising:

• a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses;
• each said group being connected to a workgroup server link;
• a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link;
• said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link;
• said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.