Modernizing the U.S. Air Force Base Level Automation System (1981) / Chapter Skim
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2 The Phase IV Capital Replacement Program
2 The Phase IV Capital Replacement Program
Pages 12-19
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From page 12... ...
The program properly emphasizes the much-needed modernization of the data processing equipment used to provide base level services. The Air Force's current equipment is aging, obsolescent, and more than a decade behind that used to provide comparable services to industry.
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From page 13... ...
Industry, however, teas experienced more nearly exponential growth, though without the artificial constraints characteristic of the Air Force's older base level systems. When Phase IV's more flexible, capable, and economical systems are introduced, new applications will become not only possible but also economically justified through superior service to users.
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From page 14... ...
Longer term use of these old programs will prevent the new equipment from being operated as efficiently as possible, as well as-probably requiring more manpower. For example, in the desire to minimize software changes in the transition systems, operations that still depend on punched cards and magnetic tape or other sequential file structures may be retained even though on-line access and data base management systems would offer better service at lower costs.
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From page 15... ...
Without a coherent plan, information processing at the base level might drift into an uncontrolled and uncoordinated proliferation of independent m~niprocessors and microprocessors in the personal computer class. Because of their low cost, these appear highly effective for satisfying user needs, but they must be regarded as part of an
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From page 16... ...
It will be difficult to connect separate processing elements into a local, base level distribution network unless the data automation and communications communities jointly define the system characteristics. There will, of course, continue to be a need for centralized host computers; these will continue to communicate with higher echelons or with remote centers, such as the Air Force's Manpower and Personnel Center or the Accounting and Finance Center.
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From page 17... ...
In addition to ensuring continued availability of highly qualified computer professionals, the Air Force also needs to plan for a gradual change in how these people support base level automation. At present, data automatons assume total responsibility for meeting the computing needs of the users located on an air base.
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From page 18... ...
Maintaining a Focus on Evolutionary Growth Even without the problems imposed by the cumbersome and time consuming Federal procurement process, the Air Force has many reasons to avoid major capital replacement programs. Replacing large numbers of common computer systems worldwide can be prohibitively expensive, time consuming, and disruptive.
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From page 19... ...
If distributed processing networks are introduced to replace the current centralized systems, data communication becomes part of the system rather than merely a service function. The data automation community will need to take the initiative for directing the orderly adoption of such network-based systems, while permitting users the flexibility that the system promises.
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