Where are the world's top 100 I.T. firms - and why?

Various publications tabulate and publish lists of the ?top 100? information-technology (I.T.) firms. The July 1997 issue of PD Magazine, for example, has a list showing that most of the world?s key firms in computing, software, semiconductors, and related fields are American. They are also heavily concentrated in such western states as Texas, Utah, Washington, and of course California. The distribution of firms and entrepreneurs is markedly different from 15 years ago. For example, the December 1997 Upside Magazine list of the top 100 people in I.T. contains only three individuals from supposedly ?high-tech? Massachusetts ? or no more than the number predicted by the state?s share of the US population. The paper will extend my work tracking the westward rebirth of American computing since the early 1980s. It will complement the employment shifts I have already documented with new mappings of firms and entrepreneurs. The hypotheses is that the PC revolution spurs a regional realignment of US computing away from the more hierarchical and bureaucratized firms of the Northeast to flatter, more agile, and more entrepreneurial firms in the younger economic cultures of the West. A look at the specific enterprises and entrepreneurs will illuminate the process by which the US regained its leadership in I.T. within the world economy.

Automation software for a materials testing laboratory

A comprehensive software system for automating much of the experimental process has recently been completed at the Lewis Research Center's high-temperature fatigue and structures laboratory. The system was designed to support experiment definition and conduct, results analysis and archiving, and report generation activities. This was accomplished through the design and construction of several software systems, as well as through the use of several commercially available software products, all operating on a local, distributed minicomputer system. Experimental capabilities currently supported in an automated fashion include both isothermal and thermomechanical fatigue and deformation testing capabilities. The future growth and expansion of this system will be directed toward providing multiaxial test control, enhanced thermomechanical test control, and higher test frequency (hundreds of hertz)

Spacelab data analysis and interactive control study

The study consisted of two main tasks, a series of interviews of Spacelab users and a survey of data processing and display equipment. Findings from the user interviews on questions of interactive control, downlink data formats, and Spacelab computer software development are presented. Equipment for quick look processing and display of scientific data in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) was surveyed. Results of this survey effort are discussed in detail, along with recommendations for NASA development of several specific display systems which meet common requirements of many Spacelab experiments

Automated CPX support system preliminary design phase

The development of the Distributed Command and Control System (DCCS) is discussed. The development of an automated C2 system stimulated the development of an automated command post exercise (CPX) support system to provide a more realistic stimulus to DCCS than could be achieved with the existing manual system. An automated CPX system to support corps-level exercise was designed. The effort comprised four tasks: (1) collecting and documenting user requirements; (2) developing a preliminary system design; (3) defining a program plan; and (4) evaluating the suitability of the TRASANA FOURCE computer model

Networking high-end CAD systems based on PC/MS-DOS platforms

The concept of today\u27s technology has been dropped. Everything is now either oobsolete or experimental. Yesterday\u27s technology is appealing only because it is tried-and-true and prices are reduced for clearance. Tomorrow\u27s technology is exciting, somewhat expensive and not well tested. In the field of architecture, where most firms are medium or small, having limited resources, the high cost initially required for a CAD installation was generally impossible to meet not too many years ago. From spreadsheets and CAD graphics to network file systems and distributed database management, the basic systems and application tools have matured to the point that the possibilities are now limited mainly by how creatively the architects can apply them. CAD systems on the market today are not so different from the systems of the mid 70s, except they have gone from hardware costing a hundred thousand dollar to PC based systems, costing under ten thousand dollars. Choices of hardware and software for CAD systems undergo continual changes in power and efficiency. There will come a point where upgrading will create more a deficiency rather than an augmentation of capability efficiency and overall function. Thus it becomes a major problem for the prospect buyer

Data base management study

Data base management techniques and applicable equipment are described. Recommendations which will assist potential NASA data users in selecting and using appropriate data base management tools and techniques are presented. Classes of currently available data processing equipment ranging from basic terminals to large minicomputer systems were surveyed as they apply to the needs of potential SEASAT data users. Cost and capabilities projections for this equipment through 1985 were presented. A test of a typical data base management system was described, as well as the results of this test and recommendations to assist potential users in determining when such a system is appropriate for their needs. The representative system tested was UNIVAC's DMS 1100

Feasibility study of an Integrated Program for Aerospace-vehicle Design (IPAD) system. Volume 6: Implementation schedule, development costs, operational costs, benefit assessment, impact on company organization, spin-off assessment, phase 1, tasks 3 to 8

A baseline implementation plan, including alternative implementation approaches for critical software elements and variants to the plan, was developed. The basic philosophy was aimed at: (1) a progressive release of capability for three major computing systems, (2) an end product that was a working tool, (3) giving participation to industry, government agencies, and universities, and (4) emphasizing the development of critical elements of the IPAD framework software. The results of these tasks indicate an IPAD first release capability 45 months after go-ahead, a five year total implementation schedule, and a total developmental cost of 2027 man-months and 1074 computer hours. Several areas of operational cost increases were identified mainly due to the impact of additional equipment needed and additional computer overhead. The benefits of an IPAD system were related mainly to potential savings in engineering man-hours, reduction of design-cycle calendar time, and indirect upgrading of product quality and performance

Computer Science Research at Langley

A workshop was held at Langley Research Center, November 2-5, 1981, to highlight ongoing computer science research at Langley and to identify additional areas of research based upon the computer user requirements. A panel discussion was held in each of nine application areas, and these are summarized in the proceedings. Slides presented by the invited speakers are also included. A survey of scientific, business, data reduction, and microprocessor computer users helped identify areas of focus for the workshop. Several areas of computer science which are of most concern to the Langley computer users were identified during the workshop discussions. These include graphics, distributed processing, programmer support systems and tools, database management, and numerical methods

Computer Aided Industrial Design

None provided

Factors contributing to the use of computer-based information systems in student services

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors facilitate and what factors inhibit computer use in the Student Affairs Divisions of James Madison University (JMU), Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), and Mary Washington College (MWC).;The population for this study was student affairs officials and related personnel deliberately selected from three Virginia public institutions.;The following conclusions were drawn from the findings of this study. (1) MWC is in the beginning stages of automation, JMU is moving in the direction of state-of-art technology while VPI\u27s current status has reached the level regarded as state-of-art. (2) The status of CBISs at MWC, JMU, and VPI is affected by the time period in which automation occurred. (3) Student affairs\u27 users at MWC, JMU, and VPI perceive CBISs positively. (4) Respondents believe using CBISs on the job simplifies tasks, helps monitor data flow, increases efficiency, makes output professional, makes data timely and accurate, improves the communication process, and does not significantly affect changes in policy. (5) No significant organizational changes have occurred at MWC or JMU while several organizational changes were identified at VPI. (6) The institution\u27s mission and size influence the direction institutions take in regard to computer technology. (7) Respondents were satisfied with the microcomputer support and training received. (8) All users mentioned mainframe computer support was slow and uneven and many outside influences seem to impact the quality of this service. (9) It is clear that at JMU and VPI the integrator\u27s role positively affects the use of computers. (10) The role, professional background, and personal characteristics of integrators were indentified and summarized. (11) Institutions of higher education should identify the integrators on their campuses and promote and support their role. (12) Top leadership commitment plays a crucial factor in facilitating computer use. (13) The lack of long range plans for the improved use of computers do not significantly affect the use of CBISs at MWC, JMU, or VPI.;Since very little research has been conducted on Student Affairs Divisions\u27 use of CBISs, future research should focus on how data collected on students improve the effective operation of student affairs offices