PVM was initially created as a software package in 1989 to solve the problem of highly intensive computing processes. PVM works by creating a powerful virtual machine out of a pool of shared computers or servers. Each server/computer can have any amount of processing capability. When the virtual machine needs processing power, it uses the combined capacity of distributed computers/servers to execute the instructions. PVM provides substantial computing power without the need to build or source a high-end computer such as a mainframe or supercomputer.