APPLICATION OF FEDERAL ADP CODE AND MEDIA STANDARDS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-04723A000100150042-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 24, 2000
• Sequence Number: 42
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2002/01/29: CIA-RDP78-04723A Intera0 19PJ-aenc 4Q24 ad hoc Group
to Federal
ADP Standards
-C CRAITDT-H
DRAFT
*DOC Exemption Letter In EUR File*
TO: Federal Departments and Independent Offices
SUBJECT: Application of Federal ADP Code and Media Standards
Enclosure I: Approved Federal ADP'Standards
Enclosure 2: Discussion of Probable Additional Federal ADP Standards
1. Introduction
Public Law 89-306 authorized the Secretary of Commerce to make
appropriate recorrm'iendations to the President relating to the establishment
of uniform Federal automatic dr~.ta processing standards. The President, on
March 11, 1968, approved as Federal Standards the "USA Standard Code for
(ASCII)
Information Interchange"as well as standards implementing the Standard
Code in perforated tape and magnetic tape media. The announcement also
delegated the responsibility of providing details on these standards and
their application to the Secretary of Commerce.
2. Pur ose
.The purpose of this memorandum is to identify certain objectives,
.to relate the specific standards to these objectives, and to provide
guidelines for application of these standards.
3. Objectives
^1 he objectives of Public Law 89-306 are to provide for the economic
and efficient purchase, lease, maintenance, operation and utilization
(and reutilization) of automatic data processing equipment by Federal
departments and agencies. The development, adoption and implementation
of appropriate information processing systems standards contributes to
these objectives through such benefits as:
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a. Improved cost effectiveness in the procurement and continued
use of information processing.systems and equipment including supporting
software.
b. Extension of the economic benefits of automatic information
processing through increased compatibility between and within systems,
sharing of facilities between users, and simplified methods and
procedures for the use of informati.on'processing facilities.
c. Increased freedom of selection of equipment which conform to
compatibility standards and hence increased competition among suppliers
of information processing equipment and supporting services.
A primary method of realizing these objectives is the provision of
the highest practical degree of compatibility for the interchange of
,information in machine-processible form within and between information
systems, including input/output equipment, source data automation equip-
meat, other associated equipment, and commiunication systems. Included
in these objectives is the maximum use of standard programming languages
and a, minimum need for reprocessing, reordering, or conversion of infor-
mation in information processing operations. This compatibility objective
is not limited to information processing within the Federal Government,
but is to be extended, wherever practical, to interchange with other
Governmental bodies, Government contractors, and others as appropriate.
A standard coded character set and standards which prescribe the
method of representing the coded character set in media used for input/.,
output purposes are basic requirements for compatible interchange of
information in automatic information processing operations. It is
becomi ncre .~in. -1 difi )~,,IA d~lsi~
p i
prove or` ease I'Lu
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which will always remain inside the originating installations and
information which may now or later be needed elsewhere. Use of the same
character sot, code and media for installation files and interchange
eliminates the need for such distinction.
It is the intention of the Federal ADP standards program that all
installations ultimately adopt the ASCII based code, media and sequence
standards for internal files. The.speed of introduction will depend on
the application mix and financial and personnel situation of the individ-
ual installation.
Standards Approved and Under Development
The specific code and media standards approved by the President in
the March 11, 1968 memorandum are listed in Enclosure 1. Certain
amplifying information on the additional recorded magnetic tape standards
under development as well as potential additional Federal ADP standards
processed in the USA Standards Institute is included in Enclosure 2. It
can be expected that additional input/output media standards will be
added to the list of Federal ADP standards as the work progresses. In
some cases, a time aelay following approval as a Federal standard, may
be required for manufacturer conformance prior to their availability in
equipment procurement.
Scope of Application
These guidelines apply to all computers and related equipment
configurations brought into the Federal inventory and data systems
developed for implementation by or for Government agencies on or after
July 1, 1969. Related equipment includes all character oriented equipment
in which magnetic tape or perforated tape is produced for input to a
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computer based data. system or?received for input from a, computer based
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data system. These guidelines also apply hen transmission terminal
equipment and facilities are procured primarily in support of a computer
': based data system.
Evolutionary Transition
Most of the computers and related equipment currently in use by the
Federal Government are of a generation which pre-dated the approved
Federal OP standards. In view of the Government's investment in this
equipment, the transition to these standards will be made on an
evolutionary basis as equipment is replaced or added, computers reprogrammed
and data systems redesigned. It is not the intention at this time to
require the immediate conversion of existing data systems and equipment
for the sole purpose of conforming to Federal ADP standards. Utilization
of existing non-standard systems and equipments should be continued as
long as economically advantageous.
For general guidance an agency which is currently entering into or
planning a system conversion of any magnitude (new or more powerful
hardware, machine independent software, remote-access operation,
automatic data acquisition equipment for instance) should include in its
plans not only the capability of use of the approved standards as
prescribed by the President's memorandum, but a schedule for introduction
of the code, media and collating sequence into external interchange and
into internal files. While techniques for interchange should be given
priority, implementation for data and program storage within installations
and conversion of appropriate existing files should also proceed as
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7.
Specifically, when interchange and internal file techniques are
',~pdated from Hollerith, Binary Code Decimal (BCD), pure binary and six-bit-
oriented codes and media, the approved code and media standards should be
applied. If the full character set of ASCII cannot be applied, the largest
possible character subset of ASCII should be used, (see paragraph 10).
In no case whatsoever should a non-standard code be adopted.
It is recognized that more efficient utilization of magnetic tape
input/output facilities can be realized by the use of packing techniques
(e.g. packed numerics and binary) in some types of operations. The use
of these practices for local magnetic tape input/output operations is not
precluded. However, character data will be recorded in the prescribed
standards form when recording in other than in the packed mode in these
local operations. Interchange between installations in packed modes may
also be made by mutual agreement between. sender and recipient.
,Guidelines for Implementing the Standards
All computers and related equipment configurations brought into the
Federal Government inventory on an after July 1, 1969 must have the
,capability to use ASCII and the formats prescribed by the magnetic tape
and paper tape standards when these media are used.
in making the evolutionary transition to actual use of the approved
standards ,planning and implementation must be based on the environment
in which the computers and related equipment configurations added to the
inventory are to be used. Guidance is provided as follows:
a. Initial Acquisition Where there are no existing 'tape files or
-program libraries which prevent immediate use of. the approved Federal
stand Wovr ~~'/:'Atfi8?c~fb6f5MA~ijdditions
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to the. inventory and their use should be specified in the request for
proposals. The supporting software should be compatible with the char-
acter set, code, media and collating sequence of the approved Federal
b. Replacement of Computers and. Related Equipment Configurations.
Actual use of the approved standards with replacement computers added
to the inventory may be dependent upbn reprogramming of the computer
and file conversion. Such repgramming and file conversion may be
accomplished completely when the replacement becomes operational.,,
particularly if the data system has undergone major revision. In this
case, the standards should be fully applied upon conversion. If the
reprogramming and file conversion is to be completed over a phased time
period, the standards will come into use as the reprogramming and con-
version is accomplished over the phased time period. Replacement equip-
ment added to the inventory which does not require significant reprogramming
effort should.fully implement the approved standards wherever practicable.
This may result in code conversion temporarily between older equipment
retained in an installation where equipment is added which uses the
approved standards. Such transitional, incompatibilities are probably
unavoidable in an evolutionary transition to standards.
c. Aug entationof an Existing Computer or Related. Equipment
Configuration. It is sometimes necessary to augment an existing computer
installation with an additional computer or peripheral input/output equip;
ment in which the added equipment must make use of the same media files
as the older equipment. In this case, the use of the standards may have
to, bApe9oyas"20d#19~16-73Y~11~0~4 standards.
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New capabilities added to an existing installation or system, such as
remote terminals or a source data acquisition subsystem should make use
of the approved standards wherever practicable.
Interchange of Recorded Media Bet~vween Installations
One of the primary benefits to be :derived from character set, code
and input/output media standardization is improved ability to exchange
information between installations of computers, and related equipment.
The full benefits of standardization will be realized gradually as input/
output equipment which use the standards replace the present inventory.
The Federal standard (ASCII) character 'set and implementing input/output
media standards will be used where information is interchanged between
two installations that have standards conforming equipment. In many
cases, it is expected that the standards can be used effectively for
interchange between installations even'though some or many of the instal=
lations involved do not use the standard media in their local information
processing operations.
9. ADP - 'Telecommunications Interface
ASCII is also ?a standard for telecommunication networks. Some
Federal telecommunications systems operate in ASCII, others will when
updated in conformance with the National Communications System plans.
Therefore, users of all computer systems and component acquisitions which
will use Federal communications systems for the transmission of data
should consult with the National Communication System as to the interface
requirements.
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10. Character Set Size
The ASCII is a 7-bit code with 128 assigned characters of which 95
are graphic characters (including space). The use of both upper and
lower cases of the alphabet is not required in many ADP, communication
and related systems applications. Certain special purpose systems may
require a very limited character set as, for example, a basic numeric
set. In general. it is expected that equipment will have the capability
of accommodating the entire ASCII code insofar as transmission and input/
output from recorded media are concerned. Printing, keyboard generating
and current computer software capability may, however, be more limited in
some specific applications.
11a Ectended Character Sets
A prime purpose in adopting the USA Standard Code as a Federal
Standard is to provide for the use of a standard set of uniformly coded
characters (graphics and control functions) in both computer based data
systems and communication systems. The Standard Code prescribes 128
characters and the 7-bit code pattern assigned to each character. Means
are provided in the Standard Code for extending the character repertoire
of the 7-bit code. Specific methods of extension are defined in an
additional troposed standard being processed by the USASI Standards
Committee X3. The. magnetic tape standard specifies the recordirg of the
7-bit Standard code in 7 information tracks with an additional (eighth bit)
information track in which a "zero" is to be recorded for each character
of the Standard Code. An additional 128 characters can, therefore, be
uniquely coded on the. magnetic tape by recording a "one" on the eighth-
bit track. Hence, extended character sets can be represented in the 7-hit
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code by "extension" techniques and on magnetic tape by the "expansion"
to 8-bits.
To prevent. a, proliferation of different characters and code assign-
ments in "extended" and "expanded" sets, additional characters beyond
the 128 in the 7-bit Standard Code will not be assigned by agencies until
the planned assignments have been presented to, and approved by the
National Dareau of Standards. This review will prevent uncontrolled
character code assignment in larger gets which would lead to the same
undesirable incompatibility that preceded the adoption of the Standard
Code. NBS will maintain a register of `approved character code assign-
ments in extended character sets and, through its review of proposed
assignments, will recochiend compatible practices.
12, Waivers
The long-term compatibility and economic advantages obtained from
the use of standards are expected to offset one-time conversion and
transition costs of implementing approved standards. Except in very
unusual circumstances, such one-time factors should not be used as a
basis for granting exceptions. The heads of departments and agencies
.are authorized'to waive application of these guidelines in those cases
both of
where ^the following conditions are applicable:
a. Significant, continuing cost or efficiency disadvantages
will be encountered by the use of ASCII and,
b. The interchange of information with other systems is
minimal and is expected to remain minimal.
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All exemptions and the reasons therefore will be coordinated with
the National Bureau of Standards before they are authorized so that NBS
mar consider the impact of the decision on the standards program and
the significance of the action with respect to future standards actions.
13. Additional Information
Questions related to these standards or their application as well
as recommendations for revisions of'these standards should be directed
to the Center for Computer Sciences and Technology, National Bureau of
!Standards, Washington, D. C. 20231.
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ENCLOSTJRTE 1
Approved Federal ADP Standards
The specific standards approved by the President on March 11, 1968 are:
a. The USP_ Standard Code for Tnformatior. Interchange, X3.1;-1967, often
abbreviated USASCII (sometimes as ASCII which is derived from its former
title of American Standard). This standard defines the coded character set
to be used for the general interchange of information among information
processing systems, co.~v.nica.tion systems, and associated equipment.
b. The USA Standard Perforated Tape Code for Information Interchange,
X3.6-1965, specifies the representation of the ASCII in perforated tape and
similarly encoded media.
c. The USA Standard Recorded Magnetic Tape for Information Interchange,
800 CPI, NRZI; X3.22-1967 specifies the representation of the ASCII on
9-track, one half inch magnetic tape at a recording density of 800 characters
per inch (CPI) using non-return to zero (NRZI) type recording.
This approved magnetic tape standard is one of a. proposed family of three
related magnetic tape standards being advanced within the USA Standards Institute
(USASI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This
800 CPI Standard is the? only one of the three that has advanced to final
approval by the USASI. The other two members of the proposed magnetic tape
family of standards included one of 200 CPI density and one of 1600 CPI
density based on "phase encoding".
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ENCLOSURE 2
additional Federal ADP Standards Under Development
The USA Standards Institute standards cormittees (X3 and X)) have been
:corking on computer and information processing and related equipment standards
for approximately eight years. The X3 Committee has produced 22 approved
standards with a greater number in various stages of processing. Most of
these are potential candidates as Federal ADP standards. These approved and
proposed standards range through character sets, codes, media., transmission
conventions, programming languages, vocabulary, problem analysis and data
codes and data formats.
The Federal magnetic tape standard, 800 CP'I, ARZI, identified in
Enclosure 1 was stated to be one of a family of three recorded magnetic tape
standards. The. other two members of the family of magnetic tapes are:
(1) The proposed USA Standard Recorded Magnetic Tape for Information
Interchange, 200 CPI, N!tZI, which is intended to provide a relatively low
performance tape for low-cost systems use, and
(2) The proposed USA Standard Recorded Magnetic Tape for Information
interchange, 1600 CPI, Phase Encoded, which is intended to provide a
relatively high performance tape for use with systems where high perfor-
mance can be used effectively. It is based on phase encoding in lieu of
non-return to zero type recording.
111 three members of the family are based on 9-track recording on one half
inch magnetic tape. Action to adopt the two additional members of the related
family of magnetic tape standards as Federal standards can be expected at the
earliest practical date.
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A paoposed USA Standard Magnetic Tape Label for Information Interchange
was circulated to Government agencies for comment both as to its adoption as
a USA standard and a Federal .JJF standard. .':ter slight revision its approval
as, a USA standards seems assured. It is also being processed in the final step
as' an ISO Racomraendation. TL-;e standard label provides a standard method of
describing the data format of the tape and should facilitate interchange of
recorded magnetic tape reels.
The response of Federal agencies for the adoption of the proposed label
standard as a Federal standard was generally favorable.
A. proposed USA Standard Hollerith Punched Card Code was also circulated
to Government agencies for comment on adoption as both a USA and Federal.
Standard. The response ;,,,as quite favorable. This proposed standard is
advancing in both the USA and ISO organizations. Approval as a Federal ADP
standard appears warranted.
Work within an X3 Subcommittee (X3.2) is well advanced on a proposed
standard edge punched card in which the ASCII code is punched along one edge
of the card as on perforated tape. The proposed standard may offer signifi-
cant economic advantages for use with low volume data transmission terminals
since the format is the same as on perforated tape and code translation is
not required as is the case with Hollerith coded cards.
Government agencies have also been queried on USA approved or proposed
standards related to Optical Character Recognition, Data Transmission,
r ogr.amming Language (COBOL) and keyboard. Follow-on work on some of these
queries is still underway,
A data transmission control procedures proposal is nearing completion in
an X3 Subcommittee (X3.3).
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Work is well advanced on code extension procedures for representing
alternate sets of graphic and control characters with the standard code
patterns via the use-of the SO-SI (Shift Out - Shift In) and Escape characters
of ASCII. Work is beginning on an "expanded" 8-bit code in which the 128
ASCII characters would be embedded in one half (lower half) of the 8-bit
256 position code table. This 8-bit code would be used with 8-bit processor
presumably primarily as the "installation" code for I/O purposes.
Work is in early phases in Standards Committee X3 and X4 on computer to
peripheral interfaces, on data elements and code standardization, all aspects
of ,credit card standardization, and special purpose punched cards.
A number of Federal Government employees are participating in the
development wori on these standards. Most are probable candidates for
adoption as Federal ADP standards.
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