Just to throw in some more performance tests for those interested... I've built a version of Python 2.1.1 from source using Sun's Forte C compiler. For anybody wanting to reproduce these results: Environment: CC='cc -Xc -mt' cd /python-src/ ./configure --without-gcc --with-cxx=CC --with-threads make make install Now, running the Pystone benchmark python /pythonhome/lib/python2.1/test/pystone.py Results: Sun Netra X1 (UltraSparc IIe 400 MHz) ---- gcc ~= 4000 pystones/sec Forte ~= 4370 pystones/sec ==== difference ~= 10% SunBlade 1000 (dual UltraSparc III 600 MHz) ---- ActiveState 2.1 build 210 ~= 5000 pystones/sec gcc ~= 6750 pystones/sec Forte ~= 7500 pystones/sec ==== difference ~= 25% and 10%, respectively SunFire 3800 (quad UltraSparc III 750 MHz) ---- ActiveState 2.1 build 210 ~= 7300 pystones/sec gcc ~= 8500 pystones/sec Forte ~= 9300 pystones/sec ==== difference ~= 25% and 10%, respectively (I'm not sure if the ActiveState build was the binary distro or built locally, since it was just on our system... I'd have to ask our sysadmin. But either way... it's getting the proverbial ass-kicking) cheers, Paul.