ATI Stream Technology 

GPU and CPU Technology for Accelerated Computing

ATI Stream technology is a set of advanced hardware and software technologies that enable AMD graphics processors (GPU), working in concert with the system’s central processor (CPU), to accelerate many applications beyond just graphics. This enables better balanced platforms capable of running demanding computing tasks faster than ever.
Along with leading third party industry partners and academic institutions worldwide, AMD is building a complete ATI Stream computing ecosystem, one that delivers the performance, applications, software and tools necessary to turn AMD's low-cost application acceleration vision into reality.
Characteristics of GPU acceleration:

• Enable new applications on new architectures
• Parallel problems other than graphics that map well on GPU architecture
• Transition from fixed function to programmable pipelines
• Various proof points in research and industry under the name GPGPU  

From AMD.