A new approach for data acquisition at the JPL space simulators

In 1990, a personal computer based data acquisition system was put into service for the Space Simulators and Environmental Test Laboratory at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. The new system replaced an outdated minicomputer system which had been in use since 1980. This new data acquisition system was designed and built by JPL for the specific task of acquiring thermal test data in support of space simulation and thermal vacuum testing at JPL. The data acquisition system was designed using powerful personal computers and local-area-network (LAN) technology. Reliability, expandability, and maintainability were some of the most important criteria in the design of the data system and in the selection of hardware and software components. The data acquisition system is used to record both test chamber operational data and thermal data from the unit under test. Tests are conducted in numerous small thermal vacuum chambers and in the large solar simulator and range in size from individual components using only 2 or 3 thermocouples to entire planetary spacecraft requiring in excess of 1200 channels of test data. The system supports several of these tests running concurrently. The previous data system is described along with reasons for its replacement, the types of data acquired, the new data system, and the benefits obtained from the new system including information on tests performed to date

A Success Story in Teaching Real World ICT to IS Students: A Case Study in using Portable Storage Devices

Teaching Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to Information Systems (IS) students has too often drawn its pedagogy from Computer Science Education. This paper illustrates by way of a case study a set of very successful techniques and a philosophy of, perhaps, an IS pedagogy. We show that it is possible to expose IS students to some quite rigorous educational experiences that are particularly well suited in preparing them for their future employment and their careers as IS professionals. This paper discusses the use of portable and removable hard disks as “virtual computers” and “virtual servers”, as an aide in the pursuit of providing practice of the ICT theory

Samba Openldap: An Evolution And Insight

Directory services facilitate access to information organized under a variety of frameworks and applications. The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol is a promising technology that provides access to directory information using a data structure similar to that of the X.500 protocol. IBM Tivoli, Novell, Sun, Oracle, Microsoft, and many other vendor features LDAP-based implementations. The technology’s increasing popularity is due both to its flexibility and its compatibility with existing applications. A directory service is a searchable database repository that lets authorized users and services find information related to people, computers, network devices, and applications. Given the increasing need for information — particularly over the Internet — directory popularity has grown over the last decade and is now a common choice for distributed applications. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) accommodates the need of high level of security, single sign-on, and centralized user management. This protocol offers security services and integrated directory with capability of storage management user information in a directory. Therefore at the same time the user can determine application, service, server to be accessed, and user privileges. It is necessary to realize files sharing between different operating systems in local area network. Samba software package, as the bridge across Windows and Linux, can help us resolve the problem. In this paper, we try to explore previous literature on this topic and also consider current authors work then come out with our views on the subject matter of discussion based on our understanding

IT for more effective team collaboration

ICT bring new possibilities in support of team cooperation, above all in creation and sharing of common content. On base of comparison of various systems for support of the cooperation it was found out that some systems purposefully solve a flow of time planning in a firm environment (e.g. Novell GroupWise), others supports in various way a cooperation in common contents space (discussion groups, Wiki, WCMS). Changes in approach to cooperation management appear in the social network. A substantial phenomenon of the present systems for cooperation support is their virtuality. The common space is „somewhere“ and a user can share (use) it from anywhere, if he/she is connected to the internet. An example still more often used is Google Apps.Collaborative software, groupware, GroupWise, Moodle Forums, Wiki, CMS, social networks, Google docs, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, GA, IN,

Automation of knowledge asset in Public Works Department (PWD) of Malaysia

Finding the right information quickly and easily to make informed decisions is one of the biggest challenges faced by PWD today.To automate the management of the knowledge assets, PWD have to stand back and take a strategic approach – to understand why and where knowledge management (KM) will deliver the greatest benefits.Knowledge not so many years ago was based on paper filing, and PWD depended on knowledgeable workers who knew how it was filed, and had experience that enabled them to make ‘informed’ decisions.Today, this has all changed as information is held electronically and often needs to be shared with others beyond the traditional boundaries of the corporation.The objective is to make pilot study on the automation of the knowledge asset based on Knowledge Management in Project Monitoring System Unit, Information Technology Centre, Corporate Management Branches of PWD by leveraging on the existing Information Technology Infrastructure available.The outcome of the study will be presented to the Director of Corporate Management Branches of Public Works Department (PWD) as a pilot project

Storage Area Networks (SANs) in Business Environment

Storage Area Networks (SAN) in Business Environment is titled and initiated to design and implement Storage Area Networks architecture in the business operation. The project is divided into two terms, first is the research ofStorage Area Networks and the second is system development onthe Storage Area Networks Knowledge Management System. Research on the Storage Area Networks was based on the problem statement and objective of the project while the Storage Area Networks Knowledge Management System is the system in making decision to implement Storage Area Networks. The project will require a hybrid model for System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology. Reviews on the system will be made according to the SDLC and the objectives of the project. Artificial Intelligent module is used for the Storage Area Networks system to determine the best Storage Area Networks solution for the business. Research will be more onthe implementation of the Storage Area Networks in the business based onthe cost, availability and the architecture of the Storage Area Networks. Advantages of the Storage Area Networks and several criteria inthe Storage Area Networks will be part of the Storage Area Networks research. Storage Area Networks give the best solution for business as the database is an important asset for the business. Performance, availability, flexibility and scalability are the main subject in considering Storage Area Networks. Keywords: Storage Area Networks, Knowledge Management System, hybrid model. System Development Life Cycl

InfoTech Update, Volume 4, Number 4, Summer 1995

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/aicpa_news/4953/thumbnail.jp

Methodologies for CIM systems integration in small batch manufacturing

This thesis is concerned with identifying the problems and constraints faced by small batch manufacturing companies during the implementation of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). The main aim of this work is to recommend generic solutions to these problems with particular regard to those constraints arising because of the need for ClM systems integration involving both new and existing systems and procedures. The work has involved the application of modern computer technologies, including suitable hardware and software tools, in an industrial environment. Since the research has been undertaken with particular emphasis on the industrial implementor's viewpoint, it is supported by the results of a two phased implementation of computer based control systems within the machine shop of a manufacturing company. This involved the specific implementation of a Distributed Numerical Control system on a single machine in a group technology cell of machines followed by the evolution of this system into Cell and Machine Management Systems to provide a comprehensive decision support and information distribution facility for the foremen and uperators within the cell. The work also required the integration of these systems with existing Factory level manufacturing control and CADCAM functions. Alternative approaches have been investigated which may have been applicable under differing conditions and the implications that this specific work has for CIM systems integration in small batch manufacturing companies evaluated with regard not only to the users within an industrial company but also the systems suppliers external to the company. The work has resulted in certain generic contributions to knowledge by complementing ClM systems integration research with regard to problems encountered; cost implications; the use of appropriate methodologies including the role of emerging international standard methods, tools and technologies and also the importance of 'human integration' when implementing CIM systems in a real industrial situation

Document image archive transfer from DOS to UNIX

An R&D division of the National Library of Medicine has developed a prototype system for automated document image delivery as an adjunct to the labor-intensive manual interlibrary loan service of the library. The document image archive is implemented by a PC controlled bank of optical disk drives which use 12 inch WORM platters containing bitmapped images of over 200,000 pages of medical journals. Following three years of routine operation which resulted in serving patrons with articles both by mail and fax, an effort is underway to relocate the storage environment from the DOS-based system to a UNIX-based jukebox whose magneto-optical erasable 5 1/4 inch platters hold the images. This paper describes the deficiencies of the current storage system, the design issues of modifying several modules in the system, the alternatives proposed and the tradeoffs involved