Saudi Aramco continually sources powerful, state-of-the-art hardware for its acquisition, processing and interpretation needs.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Cray supercomputers were used for processing the ever-increasing amounts of seismic data.  Processing requirements continue to increase and to process the data, Saudi Aramco currently has one of the largest IBM SP clusters in the world, as well as a large number of networked Unix workstations and PCs to analyze and interpret seismic and other related datasets.  Essentially, every geoscientist has a powerful Unix workstation.  Windows NT computers are also extensively used for scientific, engineering and office productivity.
Exploration Technology
Saudi Aramco is at the forefront in using sophisticated exploration technology when improved applications and highly trained people driving improvements in energy exploration. 
Saudi Aramco is determined to maintain and promote the best technology and people; integrated, multi-disciplinary work environment; data integration and common-earth model building; aggressive seeking of improvement in data quality, processing and analysis and active participation in industry consortia.
For improved imaging and interpretation, Saudi Aramco is enhancing the contribution of 3-D seismic by increased use of high channel data acquisition and pre-stack imaging techniques (time/depth), and incorporation of developing technology such as multi-component recording and 3-D/4-D pre-stack analysis (AVO, Attributes).
The backbone of 3-D seismic data acquisition, processing and interpretation is advanced computer technology. The size and complexity of the volumes of data collected in a modern 3-D survey far exceed the capacity of computers considered state-of-the-art just a few years ago. The increased computer power required for today’s surveys has facilitated the development of new processing and interpretation software that enhances the more subtle features of a reservoir.
Computer capabilities and their impact on petroleum exploration and production have increased dramatically. When compared to the costs of drilling, the savings realized by using 3-D seismic surveys to minimize the number of wells required to meet production targets dwarfs the cost of the computing power necessary to support them.
This then makes cutting-edge computer technology an excellent example of economic leverage in the oil and gas industry.