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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.

Systems analysis -- Methods and management information systems -- Design and construction

Prototype, Definitions, Models, System Development, Functional Capabilities, and End User

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.

Prototype, MIS, Technology, System Development, Fourth Generation, and Programming Language

The previous procedures for the development of systems inhibited experimentation and are inadequate for fourth generation languages and development tools. Prototyping involves experimentation but without the great risk managers associate with new system development. By the use of prototyping, a model system can be set up as defined by user needs and system fallacies can eliminated. On-line capabilities, I-O, screen management, relational data base and high level languages are required for prototyping. It is essential to set up a good data base, and software to manage the data is important. Additionally, it requires a close working relationship between user and developer. A flow chart of the process is included.

Specifications, Prototype, Modeling, and System Development

Prototyping is modeling system development in a faster environment. Prototypes can be used for the working specifications to build a true system. A user can specifiy changes using a prototype and not endanger the project deadline. Through trial and error, the prototype eventually becomes the real system. This form of development is instead of an extensive design and clean implementation. When dealing with terminal and hard copy outputs, very few screens and reports should be produced at the outset; rather they should be developed as the user uses the system.

Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Cognitive Science, Expert Systems, Knowledge-Based System, Natural Language Interfaces, List Processing, Productivity, and Market

The race for market share in the artificial intelligence (AI) field has started for a small aggressive group of software and hardware suppliers. Suppliers of symbolic computing tools are rushing to tie up the promising AI market before IBM, Digital Equipment, Sperry, and the Japanese enter. Many of the new firms intend to bring together natural language and expert systems. LISP and related object-oriented languages are especially good for quick prototyping of interactive systems before designs are locked into more efficient but far less flexible structures. This improves programmer productivity tenfold. LISP machines sell for $32,000 to $150,000. Major firms in this field are Symbolics Inc., Xerox Corp., and LISP Machine Inc. They control the $50 million market.

Conferences and Meetings, Applications Programming, System Development, Consultants, Prototype, End User, User Need, Information Systems, and Architecture

Speaking to a session at the 10th International Information Management Exposition and Conference, the vice-president of a computer consulting firm outlined a method of evolutionary information system development that draws heavily on prototyping to build systems that meet user needs at the end, rather than the beginning, of the development life cycle. There are three basic steps involved in this process: designing a standard system architecture, defining the application environment, and defining the application development methodology, that is, the 'how-to' of system design strategies.

Relational Database, DBMS, Relational Data Base Management Systems, and Prototype

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.

Prototype, System Development, Methods, Database Design, Data Management, Dataflow Architecture, Systems Analysis, Systems, Implementation, and Pilot Project

Three system development strategies are presented. The first is the traditional approach, which is called functional decomposition. The second is prototyping, which is driven by the needs of the applications. It is called application prototyping. The third is data driven prototyping, which is driven by the organization that the data assumes. The three parts of data-driven prototyping method are are information requirments definition, metadata management and project control. There are six iterative steps in data-driven prototyping which are discussed. Nine important reasons that data-driven prototyping is done are discussed.

Future of Computing, Software Engineering, Software Design, Product Development, Programming, and Prototype

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.

Insurance Industry, Artificial Intelligence, Workstations, Networks, DBMS, Database, Online, Future Technologies, User Interface, Information Systems, and Information Resources Management

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.

COBOL, FORTRAN, Programming Language, Outlook, Third Generation, Fourth Generation, Productivity, Data Dictionaries, Programmer, EDP Personnel, Future of Computing, and Computer Industry

Third generation programming languages such as COBOL and FORTRAN are being replaced gradually by what has been termed the fourth generation languages. Fourth generation languages offer users independence from data processing personnel and increase the productivity of the applications. Their features include data dictionaries and nonprocedural techniques, making prototyping almost nonexistent. Because of this within the next ten to fifteen years, programmers will not be needed but corporate management will have to play an increasing role in analysis, motivation, education and review of the user's work.

Software, Application Development Software, Software Packages, Programmer, Program Generators, Productivity, Applications Backlog, Efficiency, and Accolade

Multiplication Inc.'s Accolade application generation software has boosted programmers' productivity at Loyola University in Chicago by a factor of ten. Accolade provides prototyping tools and generates eighty to ninety per cent of the required code for each transaction. Loyola switched from IBM's DMS under CICS because the system, though powerful and easy to use, ate up computer capacity.

Conferences and Meetings, Prototype, Validation, Software Validation, System Development, and United Kingdom

The Specification and Development of Software Systems project run by NCC and GMD of West Germany resulted in two conferences. The Symposium on Software Validation dealt with the areas of inspection, verification, static analysis, testing, and symbolic execution. Dr. Leon G. Stucki of Boeing Computer Services has attempted a CAD-CAM approach toward software development. The Conference on Prototyping concluded that prototyping should be renamed 'executable modeling'. The delegates also felt that serious planning is required before a prototyping approach is taken.

Insurance Industry, Software Packages, Prototype, Software, Applications Backlog, Integrated Software, Applications, Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Umbrella

Equitable Life Assurance has implemented Hogan Systems' Umbrella integrated applications system to help reduce its programming backlog. Umbrella is an on-line, transaction-driven process and data dictionary for batch as well as on-line processing. System development is a matter of choosing the proper components, supplying parameters tailored to the specifics of an application, then integrating into the system any programming that is unique to that application. It has three major components: the Processing Environment Manager (PEM), Production Support (PS), and Application Support (AS). PEM isolates the application so it is independent of the operating environment. PS controls the processing of exceptions, centralized applications, and cylical transactions. AS eliminates redundant programming, simplifies maintenance, creates application systems, and enables nontechnical personnel to create their own tables and their own error messages.

CMOS, N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductors, Standard Cells, Semiconductor Device, New Company, Gate Arrays, Semiconductor Industry, Custom Silicon -- Management, and NCR Corp. -- Contracts

Custom Silicon Inc., a New England start-up company is offering a six week turn around on three micron standard cell CMOS and NMOS technology to small and medium industries. This service allows smaller firms to compete with larger competitors that have in-house 'captive' semiconductor divisions. Custom Silicon has a new pact with National Cash Register (NCR) in which it will offer the same services as a product development group in a large corporation's captive semiconductor division. It will offer such services as system partitioning, detail chip specification, text program development, logic and circuit design, design of manufacturing tools and fast turn around prototyping.

Specifications, Program Development Techniques, Software Engineering, Prototype, System Development, Software Quality, and Software Architecture

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.

Language, Programming Language, Applications, Machine Independence, User-Friendliness, Design, and Technology

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.)

Productivity, EDP Personnel, Efficiency, MIS, Cost, Cost of CPU, Management of EDP, Management, Prototype, and Documentation

MIS-DP departments face growing demands for their services while operating under cost control measures left from the recession. Several methods are available for increasing productivity within cost constraints. Having each programmer with their own terminal is one step. Requiring well-defined requests for new systems or applications helps reduce the DP workload. Prototyping helps in developing efficient and useable systems. Well-maintained documentation reduces the workload in altering systems.

Applications Programming, Program Generators, Application Development Software, Appraisal, Software Packages, Software Selection, and Criteria

Application generators reduce development costs and information backlog while increasing productivity and accessibility to information. An application generator should include the following facilities: integrated data dictionary, prototyping, relational data management, ease of use, free formatted screens and reports, menu screens, inquiry screens, and update screens, self-documenting code, data base management interface, teleprocessing monitor interface, portable source code, and sorted output data files. It should also generate source code and JCL for compilation-execution and generate special forms. Application generators are the successors to current high-level languages for program development. They offer the potential of breaking the applications backlog.

Programming, System Development, Efficiency, Prototype, Sampling, and Testing

An experiment at the TRW Defense Systems Group of prototyping and specifying approaches to coding showed prototyping produces forty per cent less code with forty-five per cent effort. Specifying was more coherent and the code was easier to integrate. The sample of seven teams was criticized for being too small.

Software, Software Packages, End User, User Need, User Interface, Application Development Software, Applications Programming, Evaluation, and Datakit -- Evaluation

Many first-time computer users are faced with a dilemma. After deciding to computerize, they either have to buy a canned package or they have to buy an expensive custom-built package. Datafit, a United Kingdom-based company has developed a software package that addresses these problems. The Datafit software is based upon three precepts. First, special assistance in application development is indispensable. Second, the needs of any business are fluid. Third microcomputer applications require special care to ensure that the routines are either self-evident or easily learned and that opportunities for misuse are designed out. With this in mind, seven key design features are adhered to: the system is built around a relational data base, user systems are built using the concept of prototyping, various ready-made user facilities are supplied, high level generators are supplied, on-line computer-aided instruction is provided, operation security is of a high standard, and skeleton applications are provided.

Trends, Future of Computing, User Relations, User Assistance, End User, User-Written Software, Management of EDP, Programmer, EDP Personnel, Program Development Techniques, and Prototype

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.

DBMS, Enhancements, Upgrading, Disk/File Management Software, and Mantis Release 3.7 (computer program)

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.