Computerworld. Feb 14, 1983, Vol. 17 Issue 7, p15. photograph
Subjects
User Relations, System Development, User Need, Prototype, Systems, and System Design
Abstract
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.
Computerworld. March 7, 1983, Vol. 17 Issue 10, p37
Subjects
Relational Data Base Management Systems, DBMS, Mainframe Computer, Interface, Enhancements, and System 2000 Release 11 (data base management system)
Abstract
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.
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.
Software - Practice & Experience. June 1983, Vol. 13 Issue 6, p479
Subjects
Prototype, Forms Design, System Development, and Forms
Abstract
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.
MIS Quarterly. Sept, 1983, Vol. 9 Issue 3, p189. chart
Subjects
Applications Programming, Backlog, Applications Backlog, Prototype, Methods, Information Systems, System Design, and Models
Abstract
A prototyping development method is presented here which has the potential to reduce the growing application development backlog. Prior research and our findings indicate that a prototyping process can assist in the efficient development of application systems by breaking a complex problem into several comprehensive parts. A state-transition model of the IS development process is presented and discussed. A two-prototype method is explained in the context of this model. Two projects are described which are typical of development efforts made by end users in a microcomputer environment and IS specialists in a mainframe environement. (Reprinted by Permission of Publisher.)
Prototype, Definitions, Models, System Development, Functional Capabilities, and End User
Abstract
The definition of a system can determine its success. Prototyping is a definition technique that minimizes life cycle cost, implementation time and project risk. This technique insures that a product will be accepted at conversion. It is based upon the assumption that people understand physical models and focuses upon the following factors when building a system: user needs, software that provides speed and flexibility, communication through familiar mediums and animated specifications. Prototyping works well in the early phases of system development.
Computerworld. Oct 31, 1983, Vol. 17 Issue 44, pSR 20
Subjects
Relational Database, DBMS, Relational Data Base Management Systems, and Prototype
Abstract
Relational data base management systems (DBMS) are well suited for prototyping due to their ease of use and data independence. Updates can be entered directly at the terminals, placed in routines, or embedded in a host language. Relational DBMS have no separate data dictionaries. Changes to the logical design of data is also simple since logical design is implemented through views that do not physically exist.
Future of Computing, Software Engineering, Software Design, Product Development, Programming, and Prototype
Abstract
Software tools are necessary for programming productivity and quality to match that of hardware improvements, but are not being used by engineers in the United States. One improvement in software design would be in rapid prototyping of systems. High- level languages could check the requirements of a program quickly by implementing a basic version of the final product. Reusable software would also cut down on the development process. Automated design tools would include a non-prodecural specifications language, an intelligent software-based management system for reusable software, and an intelligent editor.
Computerworld. Nov 14, 1983, Vol. 17 Issue 46, p45
Subjects
Insurance Industry, Artificial Intelligence, Workstations, Networks, DBMS, Database, Online, Future Technologies, User Interface, Information Systems, and Information Resources Management
Abstract
By 1990 developments in data processing and communications technology will bring dramatic changes to the insurance industry and other businesses using stored information resources. Information will be kept in true data bases which will be accessed on-line for updating, inquiries, and transactions. Home terminals linked to a company's mainframe computer will provide for electronic purchases of insurance policies. Workstations will give users the ability to produce, store, retrieve, manipulate, and analyze information located in personal, corporate, and external data bases. All hardware will be seen as part of a communications network which the user will join when he sits at a workstation. In the 1980's methodologies such as prototyping, along with dedicated efforts by information system managers and end users, will be needed to bring about these advances.
Computerworld. January, 1984, Vol. 18, p23SR, 24 p.
Subjects
Software quality, Business application suite, Insurance industry, Umbrella, Software, Applications backlog, Insurance industry, Integrated software, and Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
IBM Systems Journal. Annual, 1984, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p4. chart
Subjects
Specifications, Program Development Techniques, Software Engineering, Prototype, System Development, Software Quality, and Software Architecture
Abstract
A perspective on the evolution and problems of the software development craft is presented. How software engineering techniques show promise to solve these problems is discussed. Using architecture prototyping as a program development technique for improving software quality is introduced. A disciplined approach to software development based on the use of formal specification techniques to express software requirements and system design is presented.
IBM Systems Journal. Annual, 1984, Vol. 23 Issue 4, p326. table
Subjects
Language, Programming Language, Applications, Machine Independence, User-Friendliness, Design, and Technology
Abstract
One way of classifying computer languages is by two classes: languages needing skilled programmers, and personal languages used by an expanding population of general users. REstructured eXtended eXecutor (REXX) is a flexible personal language designed with particular attention to feedback from its users. It has proved to be effective and easy to use, yet it is sufficiently general and powerful to fulfil the needs of many demanding professional applications. REXX is system and hardware independent, so that it has been possible to integrate it experimentally into several operating systems. Here REXX is used for such purposes as command and macro programming, prototyping, education, and personal programming. This paper introduces REXX and describes the basic design principles that were followed in developing it. (Reprinted by Permission of Publisher.)
Software, Process Control, Real-Time System, Software Engineering, Application Development Software, Programming, Prototype, Requirements Analysis, and System Development
Abstract
Large-scale software requires effective management for production. Such large-scale software consists of application software, a utility subsystem, and an operating system. Individual software factories require levels of abstraction in a design process which uses prototyping, reusing, and program generating systems. The first level is the requirements level which defines the external devices with which the software communicates. A capsulated form of a requirements description is shown. The data-function or design level is the transition, the definition of a user's needs and the establishment of the model. Program models are defined and implemented in the program level. Prototyping is done throughout the entire process for the first operational versions of software interfaces. Productivity and reliability are the most crucial factors in management of a software factory. In addition to the encapsulated format examples, numerous block diagrams illustrate software production and the rolling mill software production example.
Trends, Future of Computing, User Relations, User Assistance, End User, User-Written Software, Management of EDP, Programmer, EDP Personnel, Program Development Techniques, and Prototype
Abstract
The processes of systems analysis and programming have changed little in the last ten to fifteen years. The arrival of mini- and micro-computers in user departments and the change in user information requirements will force a change in data processing. 'Fourth generation' software, or end user computing involves the user departments directly in the development of a system. Prototyping of a system by programmer and a user will be used to first develop screen layouts, then to map out processing using high-level languages. In order to survive, programmers will need to become involved with the applications they are coding and will need to acquire systems analysis skills.
Cincom Systems Mantis application system has enhanced features for prototyping, file-access and documentation. Mantis runs in both IBM CICS and Cincom's TIS-DC environments. The list price ranges from $21,000 to $59,000.
Computerworld. March 19, 1984, Vol. 18 Issue 12, p8
Subjects
Data Base Processors, New Product, Applications, Banking, Computer Systems, Data Base Languages, Query Languages, User Interface, Wells Fargo Bank N.A. -- Purchasing, and DBC-1012
Abstract
Wells Fargo Bank N.A. is the first user of Teradata Corp.'s DBC-1012 data base machine. While Wells Fargo has no plans for replacing its VSAM files with the data base machine, it does expect to develop many of its small and medium-scale applications on the DBC-1012, particularly those requiring a quick turnaround time. Teradata's TEQUEL fourth-generation language is about twice as fast as the FOCUS language, in terms of prototyping and development. The DBC-1012 has a reported capacity of up to one terabyte - one trillion bytes. One of the first applications on Wells Fargo's DBC-1012, which consists of four parallel access module processors, two communications controllers, and four Winchester disk packs, included a difference analysis program in which three million item processing balances were input and searched for discrepancies. The acid test for the system will come in April when Wells Fargo plans to install an accounts analysis system.
Computerworld. March 19, 1984, Vol. 18 Issue 12, p8
Subjects
Data Base Processors, New Product, Applications, Query Languages, Data Base Languages, User-Friendliness, Wells Fargo Bank N.A. -- Purchasing, and DBC-1012
Abstract
Although Teradata Corp. touts its new data base machine, the DBC-1012, as being capable of handling large production-scale processing, Wells Fargo, the first user of the system, plans to use it for fast-changing new applications and end-user computing. The DBC-1012 has proven useful for prototyping, due primarily to the TEQUEL query language and the machine's self- normalizing relational structure. Because TEQUEL is relatively easy to learn, it will be taught to executive-level users at Wells Fargo.
Computerworld. March 26, 1984, Vol. 18 Issue 13, p12SR
Subjects
Robots, Simulation, Performance Prediction, Simulation of Computer Systems, and Testing -- Other
Abstract
There are three major advantages to using computer simulation for testing robot systems. First, the time and materials spent on physically prototyping alternative robot work cells is reduced or eliminated. Second, the need for on-site testing is eliminated. Third, the possibility of a programming error causing harm to personnel or equipment is reduced. The major disadvantage to using simulation is that computer simulations are never perfect representations of the real world. Users must be careful to understand how well real world applications are being reproduced. Three simulation screen displays are included.
