Abstract: A computer system including a group of CPUs, each having a private cache which communicates with its CPU to receive requests for information blocks and for servicing such requests includes a CPU bus coupled to all the private caches and to a shared cache.

Abstract: A high-volume digital print service has a plurality of independent and simultaneously-operable decomposers which each output decomposed image data to a common buffer. The decomposed data can be compressed for relatively long-term retention in the buffer, by means of a compression element. All of the decomposers and the compression element are operated by a central CPU facility. A control system, sensitive to the amount of data in the buffer at a given time, apportions CPU cycles among the decomposers and compression element for optimization of the entire print service. The control system can also command printing hardware to skip pitches on an imaging surface therein, in order to reduce demand for decomposed data.