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Integrated circuits -- Packaging and Printed circuits -- Packaging

Systems analysis -- Methods

Information storage and retrieval systems -- Innovations and Electronic data processing -- Innovations

System Development, Performance Improvement, Systems Analysis, User Relations, Project Management Software, Project Life Cycle, Prototype, and System Design

Prototyping of a computer system has not typically been a course taken by many systems analysts. The advantages and disadvantages indicate that a more efficient system with a better fit results when prototyping is used. Typically problems emerge as system development progresses. Prototyping allows for early analysis of the problems and facilitates the integration of their solutions into the final system. The mutual learning of user and analyst while prototyping diminishes communication problems.

Data Processing, Software Selection, Productivity, Integrated Software, Functional Capabilities, and User Interface

A data processing department should select software that is designed for its particular needs. The selection of software can determine the productivity of the department. An integrated software system should be selected that provides the following: easy-to-use applications for different levels of users, components that work well together, adaptability to both simple and complex situations. The software should provide for user-system interface through features such as menus that guide a user through the necessary operating steps, prototyping that allows a user to test the program, and step level refinement that enables simple corrections or changes. The correct software can result in increased productivity without the addition of staff or hardware.

User Relations, System Development, User Need, Prototype, Systems, and System Design

According to Merle Parks, product manager for Cincom, DP personnel need to recognize the following myths when developing applications: users' needs are static, users know what they want and users can communicate their needs to DP. When dealing with users, the system developer should illustrate several types of systems via menus. A photograph of Merle Parks is included.

Relational Data Base Management Systems, DBMS, Mainframe Computer, Interface, Enhancements, and System 2000 Release 11 (data base management system)

Intel's Release 11 of its System 2000 data base management system (DBMS) features relational DBMS functions, data base modeling, prototyping, decision assist for what-if analysis, and access to multiple data bases. Designed for IBM-based OS and VM-CMS environments, the package also offers a new teleprocessing interface that combines the attributes of the existing batch and TP interfaces. It sells for $70,000.

Microcomputer, Home Computers, Interface, New Product, Peripherals, and Hardware

The ADASI unit provides status information on all lines connecting an Apple computer to a floppy drive. Data Lok provides software protection for the Apple. An electromagnetic digitalizing tablet has been introduced by Numonics. Soundtrays lowers the noise level of most popular printers. Compact turns the Commodore 4032, 8032, and 64 into a communications control center. Micro 68000 is a portable training-prototyping system for engineers and technicians. The Wizard-EBI Epson Buffered Interface allows Epson MX Series printers to dump print data into the buffer quickly to free the computer. Pictures of these new products are provided.

Prototype, System Development, Requirements Analysis, Systems Analysis, Interactive Systems, and User Interface

The use of a prototype to aid in determining system requirements is discussed. The idea behind prototyping is to provide a tool upon which specifications can be determined for the full blown system. User-analyst communication is facilitated because an actual model of the final system is the basis of discussions. Two problems are associated with prototyping. The first is the high expense of the requirements phase of the project and the second is that it is difficult to keep the requirements and design phase separate.

Conferences, Conferences and Meetings, and Information Systems

The International Conference on Information Systems is a forum to keep up to date with new trends and developments in Information Systems. Three papers are included in this magazine which were from this conference. Their titles are: 'The Dynamics of Software Project Scheduling,' 'Prototyping Interactive Information Systems,' and 'ACL: A Language Specific for Auditors.' The Conference was held December 13-15, 1982 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Automation, Computer-Aided Design, Manufacturing, Solids Modeling, Modeling, Three-Dimensional Graphics, Integrated Systems, CAD/CAM, and Ingersoll

Computer-aided design (CAD) offers manufacturers increased design productivity, reduces prototyping by using three-dimensional modeling and easily transfers information from the designer to the manufacturer. Three-D modeling with solid and wire models has invaded mechanical engineering and can be linked to manufacturing operations. Ingersoll, a West German machine-tool company, uses a Cadam (Computer-augmented drafting and manufacturing) system for custom design of products. The increased productivity potential of CAD systems may not be fully realized but a case history illustrates a productivity increase using a CAD system. Screen displays of three-D graphics as well as a block diagram of the Northrup computer-aided design (NCAD) system are included.

Prototype, Forms Design, System Development, and Forms

Prototypes are often used to evaluate the feasibility of doing a full design of a new mechanism. A prototype of an electronic form system is presented with a discussion of prototypes. The mechanism being explored is a high level form definition mechanism based on abstract data types in programming languages. The prototype provided better understanding of implementation and facilities of a form definition language. Statements of prototype objectives assisted in developing a successful prototype.

Research and Development, Application Development Software, Software, Software Design, Prototype, System Design, User Interface, Hardware Error, Feedback, Software Maintenance, Program Errors, Product Development, Technology, Software Quality, Software Engineering, and System Development

The use of prototype models improved by user interaction has become an important new method for software development. Unreliable software caused by design errors and excessive costs of development, maintenance, and testing are serious problems. In many instances, prototyping offers solution to these problems. Systems designers will have to be able to communicate with users and understand their needs. Cost comparisons, error distribution, structural analysis, and steps in the prototyping process are depicted through graphs and diagrams.

Application Development Software, 16-Bit, C Programming Language, 32-Bit, Functional Capabilities, End User, and Adata Software Ltd. -- Product introduction

Adata Software Ltd has been formed to produce a transportable prototyping and application development system. This system uses C as the development language. The use of C enables the system to run on 16-bit and 32-bit computers. This system is supported by a database management system, data dictionary, query language and report writer. The system is designed to put users back in control of their computing environments.

Information Systems, Systems Analysis, System Development, Project Life Cycle, Strategic Planning, Product Development, Products, Product Life Cycle, and Product Introduction

Information system results can be pinpointed to product cost reduction, product growth support, management information, and information technology products. Products of a strategic business unit have a life cycle of four stages: embryonic, growth, mature, and aging. The competitive position of a strategic business unit within an industry can be classified as dominant, strong, favorable, tenable, or weak. Too little prototyping occurs because programmers try to build efficient systems too soon. MIS is to coordinate and control an organization to improve management decisions. Old information and voluminous, rigid reports can do more harm than good. Incrementalism has been a successful enterprise response to the opportunities presented by new technologies. A common complaint for users is 'we spend too much on data processing and never get new systems on time'. A graph showing information systems strategic objectives and a missing communication link is shown. Another graph shows various stages of industry maturity and market characteristics at each stage. A third graph shows system development strategies for each stage of industry maturity.

Communications Technology, Telecommunications, Cellular Radio, Switching, Data Communications Software, Mobile Phones, Software Design, System Design, System Development, and Project Management Software

AT&T's new Autoplex System 100 cellular phone service was designed using modern software methodology by over 100 software engineers. The first Autoplex service was installed in the summer of 1984 in the metropolitan Chicago area. Combined in the system are cellular radio and electronic switching, with advances in software design and development as applied to large stored-program controlled systems making it possible. The complex software required effective management and control of each of the phases of its development. Prototyping requirements, and reviews were important in the early development stages. Other means of achieving quality software included analytical and simulation modeling, testing software metrics, and careful monitoring of progress toward project goals. Finding faults early in the development process helped to keep costs down. Performance analysis was performed primarily with a traffic-load-generation device. Western Electric will be engineering, furnishing, and installing twenty Autoplex 100 systems. Photographs show various phases in the development of the system. Diagrams illustrate the traffic-load generation device and the software development path. The Chicago Cellular System is shown in a map.

DBMS, Relational Database, Query Languages, Prototype, Database Design, Database, Relational Data Base Management Systems, Tables, Design, Data Dictionaries, and Data Independence

The application data base using SQL-DS consists of thirty- three tables with 97 million bytes. Data was loaded using Data Base Services utilities, and ten transactions were developed and stored in a routine table. Metadata is automatically recorded in catalog tables; thus the dictionary-directory does not become out of synch with reality. The unified, non-procedural query language, SQL, is user friendly, and can be embedded in the host language when non-columnar formatting or editing is required. Relational DBMS are well-suited to prototyping, reducing application development time and maintenance time and cost.

Prototype, System Development, Software Engineering, Pilot Project, Models, and Systems Analysis

Prototyping offers as good a system, at a minimum cost of money and personnel resources, as larger corporate information models. Prototyping is the trial and error simulation of computer systems based on question and answer techniques. To be successfully prototyped, a system should be a well defined area of investigation, have limited user objectives, have an available data dictionary, have users who are cooperative with the prototyper and have complete honesty. Prototyping allows a firm to preserve strategy in current hardware. It also tends to produce a subculture that opposes building larger, more encompassing management information systems. Developers of the corporate subculture will be able to gain the power, prestige, and acceptance of their efforts through their ability to eliminate person-years of DP and user effort through prototyping.