Systems which have more than one processor are called multiprocessor system. These systems are also known as parallel systems or tightly coupled systems.
Multiprocessor systems have the following advantages.
- Increased Throughput: Multiprocessor systems have better performance than single processor systems. It has shorter response time and higher throughput. User gets more work in less time.
- Reduced Cost: Multiprocessor systems can cost less than equivalent multiple single processor systems. They can share resources such as memory, peripherals etc.
- Increased reliability: Multiprocessor systems have more than one processor, so if one processor fails, complete system will not stop. In these systems, functions are divided among the different processors.