Business Applications Performance Corporation
Business Applications Performance Corporation (BAPCo) is a U.S.-based nonprofit consortium (designated as a 501(c)(6) organization) focused on developing standardized performance benchmarks for computing devices. Founded in 1991, it produces application-based benchmarks for Windows, Android, and iOS platforms to assist in objective performance evaluations of hardware components and systems[1][4].

History

BAPCo was established to create benchmarks using real-world software applications and workloads. Early products included SYSmark and MobileMark, which became industry standards for measuring PC performance and battery life. Over time, the consortium expanded its scope to address evolving hardware and software ecosystems[1][3].

Membership

As of 2024, BAPCo’s membership includes major technology firms such as Acer, Dell, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Samsung, and Western Digital. Membership is structured around collaborative development of benchmarks, prioritizing real-world application modeling[1][4].

Products

Key benchmarks developed by BAPCo include:

• SYSmark 30: Measures overall system performance using productivity, creativity, and responsiveness workloads[3].
• MobileMark 30: Evaluates battery life under application-based usage scenarios[3].
• CrossMark: A cross-platform benchmark assessing performance across productivity, creativity, and system response[1][3].

Controversies

BAPCo has faced criticism for perceived biases in benchmark design. In 2002, its CPU tests reportedly favored Intel processors due to the company’s exclusive involvement in benchmark development. By 2011, AMD and Nvidia withdrew membership, with AMD specifically citing Intel-centric biases in SYSmark. The Federal Trade Commission later fined Intel for anti-competitive practices related to benchmark manipulation[1].

References

Internal Revenue Service. "Business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, etc." 501(c)(6) designation guidelines.
Industry reports on BAPCo benchmark methodologies and antitrust investigations (2002–2011).