HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-04-03; City Council; 5801; Review City Data Processing Needs.......
CITY OF CARLSBAD
AGENDA BILL NO. __ ..S___,.f_O___._/ _______ _
DATE: APRIL 3, 1979
DEPARTMENT: E'INANCE
SubJect:
REVIEW OF THE CITY DATA PROCESSING NEEDS ..
Statement of the M~tter
Initia+•~ Dept.lid
C. Atty.a
C. Mgr.~
.The Finance Department has been searching for a dependable source
of software support for the Singer System 10 Computer. It has
become evident that major problems exist that may limit the avail-
abil.\ty of programming assistance, and therefore, the adaptability
of the system. This poses a problem to management of not being
able to retrieve and use data to efficiently administer the City
operations. 'rhe staff has reviewed the present situation and has
suggested several actions to the City Manager.
l. That no additional investment be made in the existing
system until this prqblem has been solved.
2. That a local programming firm be retained to learn
the "Table Processor" language. (Funds for this
exist in the 1978-1979 budget.)
3. That a citizens advi~ory committee be formed to
help the staff review the present situation and
the alternatives.
Exhibits:
Memo and Report to the City Manager on computer system software
limitations.
List of individuals who would be willing to serve on an advisory
committee.
Recommendations:
If the Council concurs, instruct the City Manager to form a
citizen's advisory committee to aid in the review of the computer
system needs of the City of Carlsbad.
Council Action:
4-3-79 Council instructed the City Manager to form a Citizen's Advisory
Committee to'aid in the review of the computer system needs of the
City of Carlsbad.
DATE: March 22, 1979
TO: Paul Bussey, City Manager
FROM: Jim Elliott, Assistant to the Finance Director
SUBJECT: Computer System Software Limitations
In August 1975, the City council authorized the purchase of a
mini-computer system to serve the Finance Department functions of
utility billing, general ledger, accounting, payroll and fixed asset
inventory. By January, 1976, these functions were on line and have
been operational since that date with only minor modifications.
The purpose of the attached report is to bring to light the
problems that have been encountered by the Finance Department in
maintaining the computer software and obtaining the programming
services necessary to modify and enhance the existing applications.
PROBLEM
The computer currently in use in the Finance Department is a
Singer System 10, manufactured by the Singer Business Machines Company.
The language used in this machine is called Interpretive Processor
or Table Processor, a little known language used by a very small
percentage of the Singer computers. This language is not used or
supported b11 any other computer manufacturer and, therefore, repre-
sents a major problem when seeking professional programming assistance.
At this point in time, no dependable source of programming exists.
From time to time, modifications are necessary to bring the
exi0ting software in line with changes in the policies or procedures
used by the City. If no source of programming exists, these modifj,-
catior.'5 become almost impossible to accomplish.
DISCUSSION
In order to evaluate the impact of this problem it is necessary
to consider what is expected from the existing computer system.
Attachment A is a listing ~f applications currently in use on the
system. Attachment Bis a listing of applications that have been
discussed as improvements to existing programs and possible new
computer functions. If any of the new applications are to be con-
sidered for implementation, the alternatives listed below and in
the attached report should be considered. If no new applications
are to be installed and no changes are anticipated in the existing
system, the problem stated above may be of little importance.
March 22, 1979
City Manager -\
P-age 2
A..'.,TERNATIVES
1. Keep the existing system. No new applications or major software
changes will be implemented.
2. Convert from present form of Table Processor to ~he DMF2 operating
system.
3. Explore new systems with lease or purchase prices that can be
cost effe~cive (considering the importance of maintainability).
4. Hire a staff programmer to learn the Table Processor language
and maintain our existing system.
5. Gain professional assistance in evaluating the problem by
forming a citizens advisory committee or hiring a professional
consulting firm.
The above recommendations are discussed further in the attached report.
RECOMMENDATIONS
l. Until some satisfactory solution is found for the problem, no
additional funds should be spent to upgrade the existing system.
(This is an administrative matter and requires no formal council
action.)
2. Obtain the prog1:amming services of one of the available local
programmers. Some system support may be available from this
source. (A San Diego firm has been contacted by the staff and
has indicated an interest in entering into a software maintenance
contract with the City. This company is not presently familiar
with the table processor language. Sufficient funds exist in
the Finance and Water Department budgets to cover the cost of
this contract.)
3. Form a citizens committee of three to five members from the
local business/computer community to help the City evaluate the
existing problem. (If a citizens advisory committee is un-
acceptable to the Council, a professional consultant could be
__,.-..,..__,~~
JAMES F. ELLIOTT
Assistant to the Finance Director
JFE:gb
HISTORY
COMPUTER SYSTEM SOFTWARE LIMITATIONS
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
MARCH 1979
In January of 1975, it had become evident to the Finance
Di~ector and City Manager that the existing mechanical method of
processing accounting and utility billing data was not able to
kee~ pace with increasing demands. At that time, an inhouze study
was initiated to find a solution to the immediate Finance Depnrt-
ment EDP problems and identify other EDP needs of the city. The
primary focus of this study was to provide a solution to the Finance
Department data processiu':J problems as soon as possible.
The solutions discussed in the study were based on meeting
needs through 1980 and used the following data in estimating work
loads: Population (1980) -28,600, Utility Billing System -
6,600 bills monthly, Payroll -272 employees paid biweekly. The
report also assumed that if no action were taken, four employees
would have to be added to the Finance, Purchasing and Personnel
Departments. The following alternatives were discussed as solutions
to the problem. The cost estimates are projected through 1980.
1. Purchase another NCR 500 billing machine -the estimated
cost of this alternative was $194,900 which included the
hardware, maintenance and staff required for operation
of this machine.
2. Improve utiliz~r.ion of present NCR 500 billing machine -
this alternative involved the expansion of the Finance
Department operations to two shifts per day. Several
staff positions would be added bringing the total cost
of this alternative to $211,150.
3. Convert to a computer service bureau -under the pro-
posed plan, costs for this alternative could have run
as high as $202,912 through 1980.
4. Replace NCR 500 with mini-computer system -the costs
associated with this alternative were approximately
$88,000 if only the Finance Department needs were to
be met.
In May of 1975, the City Council selected alternative #4 with
the stipulation that only the Finance Department needs were to be
considered in the purchase of any system. This proved to be the
least expensive of the alternatives and did not involve the addition
of any positions to the City staff.
~age 2
The selection process used in purchasing the Singer Computer
was the usual bid procedure required on all capital expenditures
of more than $5,000. Specifications were prepared by the City
staff describing the workloads, file sizes and applications, as
well as the maintenar.ce and service support to be provided by
the vendor. The sealed bids were returned to the City Clerk's
office.
Upon opening the bids, it was found that the system prices
ranged from $54,000 to $112,000, with Singer being the low bid.
All specifications were satisfied by the Singer bid, as well as
several others (some of whom are no longer in business).
The staff was aware of Singer's intention to divest itself
of the Busines~ Machines Division at some time in tne future.
Through conversations with Singer and several Sin9er System 10 users,
it appeared that this would pose no serious problem. Singer had an
established, although small user base that woul~ provide an attractive
investment opportunity for a well developed computer company. It
was anticipated that maintenance and new hardware would continue to
be available.
The fact that the system used an uncommon l~nguage was not
considered to be a major fault. The specific~~ions had not called
fur any particular language, since so many different languages
existed that could satisfy our needs. Singer had contracted with
Cyberdata to provide all software support and at that time both
companies were going concerns.
In order to eliminate Singer's bid from consideration, a
major deviation from the specifications would have had to been present.
Since their bid was generally in line with the City specifications
and was the low bid, the staff recommended that the Council accept
the Singer bid.
By November 1975, the water billing application had been installed
and tested. Within the next two months, the remaining applications
were installed and accepted as complete.
During the next two years, only minor program modifications were
required to keep the system operating effectively. In late 1978,
several programs were scheduled for implementation that involved
major software development, primarily a vacation and sick leave
accounting system and a bi-monthly utility billing system. So far,
efforts to procure a dependable source of programming assistance
for these applications have been unsuccessful. The Interpretive
Processor language used on this particular system is not widely known
and is not available throug~ the normal programming sources.
During late 1976, (or early 1977) the Singer Company sold the
Business Machines Division to International Computers Limited (ICL)
and the Maintenance Division to TWR. At the same ti~e, Cyberdata,
the company that developed our software systems and language, went
out of business.
~age 3
TRW has done an excellent job of maintaining the existing
hardware and has been able to supply special ribbons, filters and
supplies for the system. Until recently, David Ferguson, formerly
with Cyberdata, had been very cooperative in assisting us with
program modifications and new applications whenever necessary. As
of October, 1978, Mr. Ferguson has had to concentrate more fully on
his current employment and personal affairs, eliminating much of
the time he had been spending on supporting our system.
THE NEED FOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT
All computer systems are made up of two interrelated components;
hardware and software. Hardware is the collection of mechanical and
electrical devices that make up the physical computer environment.
Software is the set of logical instructions that perform the compu-
tation and manipulation of data through the hardware environment to
create useful output.
A good hardware system can be created by many vendors from many
different types of devices; but, without a good software system, the
hardware is useless. The quality of software systems is dependent
on the skill of the programmers who create the set of instructions to
accomplish a specific task, as well as the language used to write
the instruction set.
In the computer world, there are common languages such as
COBOL, FORTRAN, RPGII, PL/1, BASIC and ALGOL and uncommon languages
such as Table Processor and some machine dependent assembly languages.
The advantage of the more common languages come from the fact that
many different computer companies and programmers support these
languages.
Software, regardless of how well it is written, must occasionally
be modified due to changes in the needs of the user. When this happens,
a programmer, with knowledge of the language used by that system, will
provide the necessary modifications to bring the system into line with
the new user's needs.
When a common language is used, the field of programmers avail-
able to modify existing software or create new applications, is
relatively large. The system can be constantly maintained to pro-
vide the best service possible. When an uncommon language is used,
the number of programmers available to perform necessary modifications
is severely limited. If no source of software support is available,
the system will begin to fall behind the user needs and limit the
effectiveness cf the existing system. Eventually, if major modifi-
cations are necessary because of changes in legislation or desired
because of innovations in management systems, the system will be
inadequate due to the limitations imposed by the software language
and the availability of program.~ers.
The Finance Department has been actively pursuing programmers
able to write in the Table Processor language. Several leads have
appeared in the form of two Los Angeles based and two San Liego based
programmers. Although the two Los Angeles programmers are conversant
Page 4
with the Table Processor language, one offers only minor support and
the other offers a conversion from one form of Table Processor to
another. The two San Diego based programmers would have to learn
Table Processor from the ground up.
Neither option truly offers dependable support alternatives.
It appears that as long as the Table Processor language is in use,
the field of capable programming support will be severely limited.
When system support depends on one or two individuals, the future
of that system, as far as improved utilization is concerned, is
questionable.
SYSTEM COST
Before any action is considered, a review of the cost of the
present system is called for. The system was initally purchased
with the idea that by 1980, some form of action would be required
to continue to meet the workloads of the Finance Department. Since
fiscal year 1979-80 will begin in four months, now seems to be a
good time to evaluate the alternatives.
By 1980, the system will have been operating for 50 months.
The current investment in the system is $77,500 plus $500 per
month for maintenance. This equates to a monthly cost of $2,050.
In contrast, if the City had elected to stay with the existing
accounting machine system, at least two clerks at a cost of approxi-
mately $2,075 per month, and additional accounting machinery at
a cost of $300 to $400 per month would have been acquired -a total
cost of about $2500 per month. In this respect, the present Singer
System has been cost effective.
In order to maintain the existing services through 1980, some
additional equipment will be required. For Example, an additional
Finance Departme1t CRT terminal is scheduled for purchase in 1978-79
to provide customer inquiry access to the data base and act as a
third input device. Although this has been deferred temporarily,
satisfying this need would cost about $4,000.
If new applications su~h as a personnel information system or
a utility inventory system are to be implemented properly, additional
hardware costs of $12,000 to $16,000 may be necessary. The hardware
acquisitions necessary include CRT terminals for input and output of
data and upgrade of the CPU. Both applications require direct access
to the data base on a daily basis and, therefore, require terminal
dedications. If large data files are necessary for new applications,
an additional $15,000 to $18,000 would be required to expand the
existing data storage capacity.
Other applications such as the bimonthly utility billing system,
Workmens Compensation reporting and the budget preparation system
would require no direct hardware acquisition. The data necessary to
operate these systems already exists in a relatively usable form.
Only software modifications and new programs would be necessary.
Page 5 --
With each software and hardware change goes the assumption
that the useful life of the computer has been extended. By extra-
polation, it appears that the existing system would continue to
cost approximately $2,000 per month over the next few years. It
would also have to be assumed that (a) software support is available,
(b) ne'\'1 hardware continues to be available and (c) that TRW con-
tinues to maintain Singer equipment.
There is no accurate way to measure the "opportunity costs"
of not being able to add applications that would enhance manage-
ments' ability to control the operations of the City. This situ-
ation may exist as software and hardware become more difficult to
acquire.
It may be in the interest of the City to consider conversion
to another system of comparable price that offers maintainability
in both software and hardware. Systems of this type exist from
several manufacturers. For the purpose of this report, IBM, Honey-
well, and NCR were asked to present examples of their systems that
would directly substitute for the Singer System while allowing for
an acceptable growth path. These systems have the advantage of a
common computer language as well as the support of a national
company~ These examples appear in the following secion. Further
research would be necessary before a suitable system could be
selected.
CONCLUSION
The City Finance Department is experiencing a slowdown in its
ability to implement program modifications and development. This
inability to secure competent programming services poses a definite
problem to management in the area of utilization of data for
decision making purposes and to the Finance Department in the area
of the flexibility of the system.
This problem stems from the language used to program the Singer
System 10 computer, and the lack of qualified programmers trainee..
in this language.
ALTERNATIVES
l. Keep the present system -the present system seems to be meeting
the current demands of the Finance Department. The primary
problem is the inability to provide acceptable programming
support to add new applications and make necessary changes in
existing programs. This may not pose a serious problem if it
is determined that no new applications are to be addeo. How-
ever, the City has no control over some of the changes that
may be required. For example, in the payroll portion of the
system, if significant changes are received from the State or
Federal government in the area of taxes, retirement or insur-
ance, the City may have difficulty complying with the new
regulations.
~age 6
It may be possible to continue to use the existing system
until such time that program modifications are required by
legislation or management policies.
2. Convert from the present form of Table Processor to the
DMF2 operating system. A search of the market place has
turned up one possible solution to the immediate problem.
The Singer Company had another operating system developed
called DMF2. Installations using this operating system
have an advantage over our system in the number of pro-
grammers available to support this version of Singer soft-
ware. In our location, the su_i)port would come primarily
from Mr. Guy White, a programmer in the Orange County area.
Although this is not a major increase in the availability
of programming services, it seems to represent a more
reliable source than is now available.
A conversion to DMF2 also has a benefit in the hardware
area. The new CPU's developed by ICL are not compatible
with the present form of our software. A change to DMF2
would allow the City to take advantage of future improve-
ments in the speed and flexibility of the ICL computer
hardware.
Conversion to the DMF2 operating system would require changes
in all of the existing software as well as purchasing the
DMF2 package itself. No specific price has been negotiated,
but indications are that a total outlay of $6,000 may be
required.
There appear to be two disadvantages to this conversion. One,
Mr. White has not yet established a software company to support
a customer base. The problem still exists that there are
only a few uncertain sources for programming services in the
Table Processor language. If Mr. White is unable to support
our system for any reason, we will find it difficult to find
software support.
Two, there seems to be some disagreement between the "experts"
as to the advantages of converting to DMF2 from our present
system. Apparently some advantages of the present software
system would be traded for other advantages of DMF2.
3. Explore new computer systems with lease or purchase prices that
could be cost effective. In order to evaluate this alternative,
meetings have been held with three of the major computer equip-
ment manufacturing companies: IBM, Honeywell and NCR. In each
case a system configuration similar to the one now in use was
discussed, keeping in mind potential system growth, common-
ality of languages and company support of the user.
Page 7
As the following descriptions show, the system price may vary
according to company. Also, the system size and the number
of program packages included will vary. The data included is
to be used for example purposes only. No effort was made to
evaluate these packages as to the overall adequacy of each
system. If this alternative is chosen, further study of
various systems is called for. The evaluation was limited
to three companies since covering the entire market place
at this point would serve no useful purpose.
A. IBM
l CPU
2 CRT's
l Printer
Software
-System 34 -Cost -approximately $2,100
per month (lease) as configured (approxi-
mately $65,000 to purchase hardware).
-64K CPU with diskette feature included.
The CPU also includes 27.l Mbytes of
disk storage (fixed). Back up onto
single diskette or diskette magazine.
-Terminals used as data input devices
and control station for CPU. Includes
a standard 1920 character screen.
-300 LPM chain printer for hard copy out-
put of data.
Included in the above price is the ope-
rating system, utilities and system
support, RPGII compiler and the accounting,
payroll and personnel software packages.
If required, COBOL or FORTRAN compilers
are available.
The System 34 is a state of the art machine that appears to offer an
excellent substitute for the Singer system. The lease price of
$2,100 per month is consistent with the current average monthly cost
of the existing system. The lease price may vary slightly under the
terms of a governmental lease agreement.
IBM offers both hardware and software support out of the San Diego
office. The cost of hardware support is included in the lease price.
Software support for special applications or modifications to exist-
ing programs would be supplied on a time and material contract.
An RPGII compile is provided with the IBM System 34. This language
is supported by :BM on all of its machines, in addition to offc~ing
COBOL or FORTRAN options. These are all very common languages that
can be supported by most programmers.
The IBM System 34 presently reqnires about twelve month lead time
for installation.
Page 8
B. Honeywell -Model 60 -Level 62. Cost -approximately
$2,400 per month (lease) as configured.
l CPU -160K processor with diskette feature.
l disk drive -40.3 Mbyte on line disk storage. Back up
onto diskette.
4 CRT's
1 printer
Software
-Terminals used for input of data, inquiry and
control of the CPU. The terminals have a
standard 1920 character screen.
-450 LPM printer for hard copy output of data.
-This price includes all necessary software for
computer op~ration, including a COBOL-74 com-
piler. No application software has been
included. This system has RPGII and FORTRAN
compilers available.
The Honeywell Level 62 computer is a very strong system readily
available on today's market. The system is capable of substituting
directly for the Singer System 10 and includes an excellent growth
potential. Al though Honeywell does not directly supply application
software, a catalog of systems developed by users is available to
any customer. Since common languages are used, very little diffi-
culty should be experienced in locating competent programming services
in the Carlsbad or San Diego area.
The Honeywell lease agreement allows approximately 50 percent of
the first year's payments to accrue toward the purchase of the
system.
System support is available from Honeywell at the San Diego office.
Software contracts are uvailable on an hourly or monthly basis at
a rate of $23.00 per hour.
The cost of application software has not been consider<ad at this
time. Costs could run from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the
applications to be implemented.
C. NCR -8270 -Cost -approximately $2,000 per
month on lease basis as configured (pur-
chase price approximately $85,100).
l CPU -128K Processor with cassette feature
included.
1 Disk drive -54 Mbyte Drive, 41 Mbyte fixed, 13 Mbyte
removeabJ.e. Backup onto removeable disk
packs.
4 CRT -Terminals are used for input of data,
inquiry and control of the CPU. These term-
inals have a standard 1920 character screen.
Page 9
1 Printer -In addition to the above equipment, a
price of $7,800 would be required to
purchase the Interactive Financial Manage-
ment System (IFMS), payroll and utility
billing software packages. The NCR operating
system and utility software is included in
the lease or purchase price. Both COBOL and
FORTRAN compilers are available on this system.
The NCR 8270 Computer is a very competitive machine capable of pro-
viding a high level of service to the City in many areas. The 8200
series has been on the market since 1976 and has been recently
enhanced by the addition of the 8270 model to the product line.
NCR provides several software packages for use on the 8200 series
computers written in COBOL, complete with docurr.entation and user
instructions. Training is provided by the systems analyst on each
application as i~ is installed at the user's site.
System support is available for both hardware and software directly
from NCR. Since COBOL is the primary language used in these systems,
programming services are available from a wide range of vendors.
NCR provides a five year lease/purchase agreement with a $1.00
buy out a.t the P.nd of the lease term. A percentage of each lease
payment is accrued toward the purchase of the equipment.
4. The Table Processor language is similar to other computer languages
in that it requires a string of logical commands to accomplish
a task. Since professional programmers are normally dealing with
several different languayes, learning one more should be within
the realm of possibility. A programmer could be hired as a city
employee and trained in the Table Processor language; thus,
allowing the city to continue using the existing equipment. A
rough estimate of the cost of adding a programmer to the staff
(inclv.:ling benefits) is $2100 to $2500 per month.
5. The Finance Department staff has alre~dy invested a considerable
amount of time in the problem of ~rocuring competent programming
services. A great deal more time would be required to bring the
staff up to a level where the technicalities of analyzing sub-
stitute computer systems and programming languages could be
efficiently accomplished. To speed the process and perhaps to
improve the end results, some form of professional assistance
could be sought to study the problem. This assistance might be
gained two ways:
A. Citizens committee of three to five members could be
formed from the computer using community of Carlsbad.
These individuals along with staff could review the
existing alternatives and make recommendations to the
City Manager. Cost -none.
,Page 10
B. Professional consulting firms exist that have the
necessary expertise to analyze the existing problems
facing the City's EDP section. They are familiar with
the technicalities of the computer systems and soft-
ware capabilites. A study performed by one of these
companies could provide l'..e necessary direction to the
City. Cost -Approximately $2,500 to $5,000.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Since November 1975, the Singer System 10 computer has cost
approximately $77,500. The last addition, a 400 LPM Printer,
was required to maintain the current level of service. Other
additions to the hardware system may be required over the next
few years to provide continued service even with no changes to
the existing software systems.
Unless the problems faced by the software system can be solved
in the near future by a dependable solution, it is recommended
that no additional funds be spent to upgrade the existing hard-
ware. This has been implemented administratively and requires
no formal council action.
2. Some software services may be available trom three or four
different sources. Since these companies may be able to
provide at ieast a low level of support to the software system,
these services should be considered. Funding for these services
exists in the Finance and Water Department operating budgets.
3. The Computer Industry is dynamic and requires special knowledge
of the technical aspects of user requirements and computer
systems. The Finance Department staff does not presently
possess the necessary technical knowledge of the computer field
to fairly evaluate the alternatives listed above. In order to
gain the technical assistance necessary, the City could form a
three to five member committee of local computer users to assist
the staff in the review process. The members selected for this
committee should be chosen on the basis of their knowledge of
the computer field. The cost of this approach would be only
the staff's time required to assist the committee. The com-
mittee should submit recommendations to the City Manager with-
in four to six weeks.
If a citizens advisory committee is unacceptable to the council,
another alternative would be to hire a professional consulting
service to review the existing applications and systems. 'l'he
results of this study might provide a more technically correct
answer to our problems. The cost of this type of study could
run as high as $2,500 to $5,000. No firm estimate has been
received; but judging from other studies, this figure should
be in line.
ATTACHMENT A
CURRENT COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
1. Utility Billing
2. Payroll
3. Accounts Payable
4. General Ledger
5, Fixed Asset Inventory
6. Housing Authority Accounting System
7. Report Generation System (Expenditure/Budget Reporting)
8, Vendor Listing
Page 12
ATTACHMENT B
APPLICATIONS ANTICIPATED FOR COMPUTERIZATION
1. Water Department Bi-monthly Billing System
2. Vacation and Sick Leave Accounting system
3. Payroll -Workman's Compensation Program
4. Personal Information System
5. Budget Preparation System
6. Capital Improvement Program Preparation System
7. Total Compensation Cost Calculation £or Personnel
8. Business Licenses
9. Mechanical 1'laintenance Inventory System
10. Vehicle Maintenance System
11. Purchasing -P. o. ProcE~ssing System
12. Job Costing System for Public Works
13. Street Index
14. Land Use Inventory
15. Class Scheduling and Instructor Compensation System (P & R)
16. Water Department Inventory System
17. Purchasing -Vendor Classification System
18. Investment Inventory System
Page 13
ATTACHMENT C
Application
Programs
Batch Processing
Baud
Binary
Bit (Binary Digit)
Byte
Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
COBOL (Common Busi-
ness Oriented
Language
Compiler
GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY(l)
-Standard and frequently used programs that are
tailored to a user's vocational needs; i.e.,
Payroll, General Ledger, !'ersonnel Information
Systems.
-Data processing in which a number of similar
input items are grouped together and pro-
cessed during a singl~ machine run.
-A unit of transmission speed, from one piece
of hardware to another, equal to the number
of signal changes in one second. This term
can often be used interchangeably with "bits-
per-second. "
-Consisting of, or marked by two things or parts;
relating to, being, or belonging to a system
of numbers having two as its base.
-The smallest element of binary machine language
represented by a magnetized spot on a recording
surface or magnetized element of a storage device.
-A sequence of adjacent bits operated upon as a
unit and usually shorter than a word.
The central processor of a computer contains
the internal memory unit (memory), the arith-
metic logic unit (ALU), and the input/output
control unit (I/0 Control).
-A specific computer language by which business
data processing procedures may be precisely
described in a standard form. The language is
intended as a means for directly presenting any
business program to any 3uitable computer for
which a COBOL compiler exists and also as a
means of communicating such procedures among
individuals.
-A computer program that translates a program
written in a high level language such as COBOL
into a machine readable set of instructions.
The program that results from compiling is a
translated and expanded version of the original
program.
(l) NCR Educational Publications -EDP Terminology
Page 14
Data Base
Debug
FORTRAN
-All the information that exists at any time.
A corporate data base is all the information
that exists in the company records at any
given time. An Application Data Base is all
the data that exists on a ce:tain aspect of
the company's operation, i.e., payroll, accounts
receivable, etc.
-To locate and correct any errors on a computer
program.
(Formula Translatot,-A programning system including a language and
a compiler, allowing programs to be written
in a type of mathematical language.
Hardware
Kor KB
MB
Microsecond
Millisecond
Nanosecond
Program
RPG (Report
Program Generator)
Software
-The mechanical, magnetic, electronic and
electrical devices or components of a computer.
-Kilo bytes or thousand bytes. Usually used
to refer to CPU storage size or data transfer
rates. 40,000 bytes= 40 K
-Mega bytes or million bytes. Ui-;ually used to
refer to disk storage devices. 20,000,000 bytes
of storage capacity= 20 MB
-One millionth of a second. 1 second= 1,000,000
microseconds
-One thousandth of a second. 1 second= 1,000
milliseconds
-One billionth of a second. 1 second= l,000,000,000
nanosecond
-A sequenced set of instructions to a computer to
do a particular job.
-A programming language developed by IBM to perform
many of the complicated functions of handling
business type data.
-Vari0us programming aids that are supplied by
the manufacturer to facilitate the user's efficien~
operation of the equipment. The collection of
programs and routines and documents ,:1.ssociated
with a computer.
Source Program
Word
-A program coded in other than machine language
that must be translated into machine language
before being executed. COD0L, FORTRAN and
RPG are source languages.
-A set of characters having some particular
significance which is treated as a whole.
Bits make up a byte, bytes make up a word,
a group of words can make up a record {one
piece of data).
DA£E: March 22, 1979
TO: Paul Bussey, City Manager
FROM: Ji.m Elliott, Assistant to the Finance Director
SUBJECT: Individuals available to serve on a Citizens Committee
to review City data processing needs.
The following individuals have indicated that they would be
available to s(irve on an ad hoc committee to review the City's
.~ta processing needs Other individuals have indicated that
they might be a1,ailable if current demands on their time are
lifted.
John Kolb, Data Processing Manager, City of Oceanside
Frank Stran9e, Manager of Management Systems, Burroughs
Corporation
Mike Riley, Manager of Corporate Systems, San Diego Gas
and Electric Co1npany
Biil Hare, Vice President of Operations, Dyna-Med
Bob Wergen, Manger of Data Processing, Hughes Aircraft
John Walsh, Data Processing Manager, United Way
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