COMPUTERS (HARDWARE REPLACEMENTS)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68R00530A000200120023-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 9, 2004
• Sequence Number: 23
• Publication Date: February 10, 1965
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP68R0053OA000200120023-8
10 February 1965
d. ,6
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Science and Technology
: Computers (Hardware Replacements)
1. During the past few months OCS has worked on a study of our
hardware requirements for the next several years. This study was
deemed timely because:
a. Our projected workload cannot be handled on our
present equipment.
b. Efficiency can be increased greatly by consolidating
our computer skills (which are now directed toward a
mixture of hardware) through an integrated hardware
and programming system.
c. A hardware configuration is needed which provides
greater flexibility within our Computer Center and
which provides hardware backup--both in short measure
now.
d. During the past year computer manufacturers have
announced a new "third generation" of hardware. Major
technical advances in circuitry reliability, micro-
miniaturization, processing speeds, multi-programming
operation, software compatability, and lower costs per
unit of data proces.ed characterise these "third generation"
systems. These are significant management and technical
advantages.
2. The OCS study included a thorough look at present and projected
requirements. Such major new projects as CHIVE (docurnent/ information
retrieval), SANCA (security records handling) and the proposed computer-
driven management system for the DD/S were considered. The accom-
modation of such extra-OCS computing activities as Project WALNUT
from our CIA. Computer Center is becoming technically feasible; unprece-
dented flexibility in the coupling of remote input/output devices to share
a central multiprogrammed processing unit is now attainable.
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP68R0053OA000200120023-8
 Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP68R00530A000200120023-8
3. After a review of the technical documentation on this study and
a critique by senior OCS personnel. I have concluded that their recom-
maendation to move immediately in the direction of IBM System 360
implementation is thoroughly sound. Conversion from our present
IBM and RCA systems would be gradual over the next two-three years.
In replacing our present equipment, we can substantially increase
capabilities at no increase (possibly a reduction) in rental costs.
4. 1 view the proposed conversion to the IBM 360 System as a
major step because:
a. The OCS hardware direction for several years to come
will be act.
b. This hardware decision for the CIA Computing Center
is certain to influence future hardware decisions and
policies for other elements of the Agency. (BOB, already
aware of the technical feasibility of driving such remote
systems as Project WALNUT from our central computer,
can be expected to perceive as well the potential dollar
saving by such consolidation.)
5. In view of the importance of this issue, I have arranged to brief
your 14 p`~ebruawrv 1 4 at 122R d in your
office on my plans for upgrading our computer hardware systems.
The purpose of this briefing is to solicit your counsel on the plan and
to request your endorsement to proceed.
25X1
Assistant Director
Computer Services
Approved For Release 2004/11/30 : CIA-RDP68R00530A000200120023-8