The government implemented the MTOPS measurement in the early 1990s to differentiate supercomputers from low-end computers.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

One 32-chip Itanium system would be capable of 290, 000 MTOPS, more than twice as many as the new level allows.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

Countries were ranked in tiers based on perceived national security risks and given corresponding MTOPS levels, above which an export license was required.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

During his campaign, President George W. Bush called the export-control system "broken, " though he has yet to take a stand on the MTOPS issue.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

Phil Gramm, R-Texas, has proposed a bill that would eliminate all MTOPS requirements on computers that are readily available in U.S. stores or from foreign competitors.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

Of course, one of the main problems with enforcing limits on MTOPS is that manufacturers build increasingly powerful computers, requiring the government to raise the acceptable level repeatedly.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

Former President Clinton supported eliminating the MTOPS measurement entirely.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

The standard was raised six times during the Clinton administration, the last of which raised the tier-three requirement to 85, 000 MTOPS, about the level of a networked system with 32 Intel Pentium III chips.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power

Computer exporters now must fill out separate license applications for each transaction involving computers with more than 28, 000 MTOPS. These applications are then reviewed by the State, Commerce and Defense Departments, which have 30 days to raise any objections.

CNN: Turning the U.S. into a super-computer power