STATUS REPORT OF AUTOMATION IN THE DCI DIRECTORATE FOR MARCH - DECEMBER 1986

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89G00643R000900140003-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 14, 2011
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: January 9, 1987
• Content Type: REPORT

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/14: CIA-RDP89GO0643R000900140003-0
January 9, 1987
STATUS REPORT OF AUTOMATION IN THE DCI DIRECTORATE
FOR MARCH - DECEMBER 1986
1. General Status of DCI Area Automation in March 1986
In March of 1986 the DCI Directorate was automated to a limited
degree. Most automation was in the area of word processing. There
were some WANG word processor terminals, personal computers, and
Delta Datas, but there was no central database to manage them, so
the exact amount of equipment was not known. A special VM system
known as the EXNET was available for use by top Agency executives,
their special assistants, and their secretaries. This system was
(and still is) used very little. Several systems were being
developed by OIT/MISG for the EXDIR, PAO, and OCA. There were over
200 VM users.
II. Accomplishments since March 1986
During the period March - December 1986 the DCI/ADP Staff
accomplished the following tasks to automate the DCI area:
Installed about 10 personal computers; most of them are connected
to a mainframe computer as VM terminals.
- Compiled an inventory of all computer and word processor
equipment in the DCI Directorate and loaded it into a database.
There are 638 pieces of equipment in the database, which contains
the location and description of each component.
- Arranged a briefing on computer security by Office of
Security/ISSD for DCI Directorate employees on October 29.
Approximately 40 people attended.
- Wrote and distributed two administrative notices on data
processing: one described the functions of the newly-formed
DCI/ADP Staff, and the other addressed computer security
concerns.
- Arranged for installation of a new WANG Alliance system for use
by several offices in the DCI Directorate including DCI, DDCI,
DCI/SEC, EXSEC, EXDIR, and three terminals in the DDA front
office. This involved coordinating with equipment vendors,
installation contractors, and various Agency offices to procure
the system and get it installed.
- Worked with DI/OIR to develop a new database for OCA to use for
managing documents reviewed in the Central America/Iran
Investigation. The system was programmed by OIR on a priority
basis and is working well.
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Consulted with customers from all DCI area offices to determine
system requirements.
Instructed DCI Directorate personnel in use of personal
computers, various software packages, and mainframe VM systems.
Attended several meetings of the Information Systems Board.
Coordinated the purchase of all word processor and computer
hardware and software.
Installed many personal computers, printers, and Univation disk
drive units.
- Tested a DEST optical character scanner. This device digitizes
printed text and loads it into a computer file.
Researched letter quality printers and procured three for use
with personal computers.
Worked with an OIT/MISG team charged with developing an Executive
Information System; coordinated their development of a calendar
system for OCA and a media highlights system for PAO. The team
is currently working on installation of an EIS testbed for the
EXDIR which will provide access to selected personnel and budget
databases and produce output listings and graphics for use by
high level managers.
Performed ADP Control Officer functions which required submission
of many forms to OIT for equipment installations and moves,
procuring AIM and VM access, and distributing passwords.
Installed a 3270PC in OCA to communicate via modem with Legi-
Slate, a Washington Post database.
Handled general troubleshooting of computer and word processor
problems throughout the Directorate.
Wrote two programs to generate address labels for DCI/ADMIN and
DCI/PERS.
Reviewed drafts on technical subjects (policies, guidelines,
etc.).
Kept abreast of developments on the WANG/mainframe connectivity
testbed.
Purchased miscellaneous items such as computer cables, ribbons,
special print wheels, etc.
Researched feasibility of exchanging electronic mail with the
White House.
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- Developed a Parking and MG Locator Database for AO/DCI use.
- Produced budget and disk space estimates.
- Coordinated the delivery of Pyramid to the EXDIR and other top
Agency officials. We continue to maintain a working liaison
relationship with the OP staff that designed Pyramid.
- Installed a Wang 7525 System in UDAC, a special DCI staff.
- Installed a Wang 7525 System and a WP-20 system for the
President's Senior Review Board in the New Executive Office
Building. Also provided training and installed software to meet
their word processing needs.
- Maintained and improved a working relationship with OIT; gave OIT
more notice on terminal installations and moves thus eliminating
several DCI priorities. We continue to formalize DCI ADP
requirements and deliver them to OIT through the front door.
- Automated the new DCI Staff, SSG. This included finding the Wang
equipment and ports and getting them installed. A Delta Data
terminal and line were also moved to this staff.
* It should be noted that DO/IMS frequently provided support in
terms of procurement and installation of WANG equipment to meet
DCI requirements. This provided substantial savings of both time
and money, and enabled us to get systems up and running in days
or weeks rather than months.
There are currently 638 pieces of computer equipment in the DCI
area, of which 265 pieces are monitors or terminals for word
processors, personal computers, or mainframes; we have
approximately 230 VM users. Below is a description of the
automation of each office within the DCI Directorate and an
estimate of upcoming requirements for each.
In the DCI's office there are one Lexitron word processor with a
printer, and one WANG terminal with a printer. The WANG, which
is used by Ambassador Dailey's secretary, is part of a WPS-25
system shared with the DDCI and EXDIR offices; this system is
currently being replaced by a WANG Alliance system. While there
are no current plans to do so, at some point the Lexitron
equipment may be replaced by WANG equipment and connected to the
Alliance.
In the DDCI's office there are two WANG terminals and a WANG
printer attached to the WPS-25 system mentioned above. There
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are also a WANG terminal and printer on the system for use by
the DCI Executive Officer's secretary. The WANG CPU unit and
disk drive for the WPS-25 are located in a closet in the DDCI
area. When the Alliance is installed, the terminals and
printers will be connected to it and the CPU unit and the disk
drive will be removed.
There are two Delta Data terminals which are used by the DCI
Executive Officer and the DDCI Executive Assistant. At some
point (after the new Agency standard PC-type terminal has been
identified) the Delta Datas may be replaced with a standard
Agency PC-type terminal. However, there is no immediate
requirement to do so.
STAT
In the Executive Director's office there BM 3270 AT
personal computers connected to VM in the Computer
Center, two Xerox Golden Tiger terminals, one e to Data, two
WANG terminals, and one WANG printer. The WANGs are connected
to the WPS-25 in the DDCI office which will be replaced by an
Alliance soon. The personal computers are presently used only
for VM applications, although word processing software is
resident on one of them; when the MSWORD interface to AIM is
upgraded, it will be feasible to use this PC software to create
documents on the PC and send them to AIM.
One of the Golden Tiger systems was borrowed from Xerox
Corporation and will be returned as soon as it can be replaced
by a new personal computer which has been ordered for the
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. The other Tiger
is used by the Special Technical Assistant to the Executive
Director. Both are connected to VM. The Delta Data is used
solely for AIM.
DCI/ADMIN is a small staff of under 15 persons, but the variety
of work done by this group is amazing. There are three Delta
Data terminals and 3 IBM 3270 PC/ATs all connected to the
mainframe. Two of the Delta Data terminals will be kept for work
with GIMS. These two terminals are located in centralized areas
and one has a slave printer. The third Delta Data terminal will
be replaced with a 3270 PC/AT. This system, compatible with
BARS, will be used by Finance personnel. Two of the existing
IBM 3270 PC/ATs are used by the ADP Staff. The third existing
PC is used by AO/DCI.
In addition, DCI/ADMIN houses 5 WANG terminals connected to the
OCA Alliance. One WANG printer serves all of ADMIN. Most of the
word processing done in the ADMIN staff is accomplished on the
WANG. In addition, Personnel maintains several Visual Memory
databases. It is conceivable that sometime in the future, DCI
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ADMIN will be faced with either buying it's own WANG Alliance
System or converting to Personal Computers.
NIC demands for automation usually exceed the availability of
equipment. Nevertheless, the office has the lion's share of
computer equipment in the DCI area. There are 36 Delta Data
terminals, 5 3270 PC/ATs, and 4 Xerox 2700 printers for
mainframe processing. In the area of word processing, the NIC
has 3 7525 Wang Systems and 1 Wang Alliance system. The NIC also
shares an Alliance system with CPAS. In total, NIC has 37 Wang
terminals and 12 printers including 1 laser printer. Finally,
the NIC has 3 NBI stand-alone word processing systems.
STAT
STAT
There are already lists floating around the NIC stating who is
first in line for the next terminal of one sort or another. Some
stand-alone 3270 PC/ATs are filling the gap until the
availability of ports opens up. the new NIC ADP
Representative, is studying the needs and plans to first try to
shuffle unused terminals to people who will use them more
readily. Next plans to address ADP needs for the
office as a whole and submit a plan and budget to get the NIC a
terminal on every desk by 1990.
There are over one hundred pieces of computer and word
processing equipment in the Office of the Inspector General.
Much of this belongs to the Audit Staff. There is one fully-
loaded WANG Alliance system at Headquarters. There are also
eleven WANG personal computers which are used as standalone word
processors, a Delta Data terminal, and a Xerox 2700 printer. An
IBM 3270 AT/PC is due to be delivered to the Deputy Inspector
General in January.
All of the Audit Staff equipment is located in Key Building
except for one Delta Data which is located in 6E09 Headquarters.
There is a WANG Alliance system serving the twelfth floor, and
there are four Delta Data terminals with four slave printers and
four personal computers on the twelfth and second floors. The
personal computers are used mostly for spreadsheet programs.
STAT
STAT
There are two data processing employees on the Staff,
who address program needs of both the
Audit Staff and the rest of the IG Staff. They are currently
selecting software for the Deputy IG to use on his new computer.
They are also working on budget projections for data processing
requirements during the next few years, which will include costs
incurred by a move to Headquarters.
STAT
OGC has two WANG Alliance systems and seven Delta Data terminals
in Building. There is also a Lexis terminal and
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printer in the OGC Library. Lexis is a commercial database
containing legal information which can be queried online over
commercial telephone lines. There is interest by several
members of the office in purchasing TEMPEST personal computers
sometime in the future for standalone databases, and perhaps for
use as online VM/AIM terminals.
The Comptroller's Office is one of the more contemporary
automated offices in the DCI Area. The nature of their business
provides more application for computers than does that of most
other offices in the Directorate. In addition, several members
of the staff have backgrounds in data processing and therefore
tend to provide automated state-of-the-art solutions to their
problems.
Most word processing is done on a WANG Alliance system. There
are nine Delta Data terminals, a RAMTEK graphics terminal, a
Hewlett Packard plotter, and one IBM 3270 PC connected to the
mainframe. The Delta Datas are used for VM and to access Office
of Finance and Logistics databases; the RAMTEK and plotter are
used for mainframe graphics applications, and the PC is used for
VM/AIM. There are eight personal computers used in standalone
mode for various applications, mostly spreadsheet programs; two
more are on order.
The Comptroller's Office and OCA have been jointly involved in
contracting for a standalone document management system composed
of a CPU, disk drive, monitor, and optical character reader.
They are working with a vendor to finalize selection and
procurement of equipment.
The Executive Registry has six Delta Data Terminals, two slave
printers, and one Xerox 2700 laser printer. Several other
offices in the area also send listings to the Xerox 2700. The
Delta Datas are used to access several document control systems
as well. as VM.
The Registry has asked for help in getting some of the many
forms they use automated. We have asked OIS to advise us
regarding the feasibility of extracting data from their document
control system to fill in the Top Secret routing sheet. In
addition, a Wang terminal and printer will be installed in EXREG
to produce forms 240 and 240a using VM on the Delta Data.
The Executive Secretary Staff is a small staff with a big
function. Presently the EXSEC has 1 Delta Data terminal, 1 3270
PC, and 1 7520 Wang System with 2 terminals and one printer for
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the secretaries. The 7520 Wang system is inadequate for the
needs of this staff. A new Alliance System in the DCI area will
included the EXSEC and more than double their Word Processing
power.
In addition to the Wang upgrade, the EXSEC staff plans to get
another standalone PC to communicate on a more timely basis with
the White House. This standalone PC will use a modem to access
the White House mainframe and could conceivably become a much
needed unclassified link between the White House and the
Executive Secretary.
There are no plans at this time to upgrade the Delta Data in
7E13 to a PC because this Delta Data is used for GIMS queries.
In the area of automation, the EXSEC will explore in the next
year automating the daily Action Items List.
PAO is in an unusual automation predicament. Their office is
split between Ames building and Headquarters building. Ames
building PAO has a Wang Alliance system which they share between
themselves and DCI/History Staff. They also have 2 Delta Data
terminals. The Wang Alliance serves most of Ames building PAO
needs. Recently, however, several visual memory systems have
gotten large enough to convert to mainframe databases.
Headquarters PAO is also primarily a Wang Alliance staff. They
have 6 Wang terminals and a printer that belong to OCA. For
mainframe processing, PAO uses a NOMAD database called Media
Contacts in which they enter questions asked by reporters and
PAO replies to those questions. To do this, they have two Delta
Data terminals. Last year, PAO received an IBM 3270 PC/AT and a
mainframe line to be used for a brand new database to track
newspaper articles. PAO has ordered an additional PC to use in
standalone mode.
For future automation, PAO will continue to need a mix of Wang
and mainframe equipment. When the two halves of PAO join in
Headquarters, they will probably settle on one Wang Alliance
system. Their dependence on the mainframe, however, will
increase. As technology advances, PAO may look to more
technically sophisticated equipment for their work. Text of
Newspaper articles can now be extracted online. Soon technology
will allow the newspaper article itself to be printed locally.
All of these automation tools will help PAO keep on top of the
ever-increasing lists of published articles on the CIA.
OCA is now and probably will be a Wang shop for a very long
time. They currently have 2 Wang Alliance systems which are
wised together and connected to the mainframe. At least half of
one Alliance is used to support PAO, ADMIN, SSG, and
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DCI/Security. There are seven Delta Data terminals in OCA. All
but two are used in the OCA Registry to do GIMS work. It is
possible that the two not used for GIMS work will be upgraded to
PC's eventually.
OCA currently has one standalone 3270 PC to access Legi-Slate, a
Washington Post database. One staff member uses it daily and
other staff members use it only for special queries. Since
installation, OCA has added another feature: member profile.
This modeling software allows OCA to model votes on different
issues.
OCA, in conjunction with COMPT, is getting an Optical Character
Reader and Sun Workstation to be able to store and retrieve text
files easily. The Sun Workstation will connect to a CPU in
COMPT which also controls other SUN Workstations for a project
in the Comptroller's office.
An IBM 3270 personal. computer has been installed in the SA/I)DO's
office. It is currently being used in stand-alone mode, but
will. be attached to a mainframe in the DDO Special Computer
Center after the PBX is installed. A RAMTEK graphics terminal.
and a Hewlett Packard. plotter are connected to the Special
Center for use with graphics programs and for general VM/AIM
use; the personal computer will replace the RAMTEK. The
personal computer has word processing, spreadsheet, data base,
and graphics programs on it.
There are also five WANG terminals and a WANG printer in the
office. They are connected to an Alliance system in DO/EPS.
There are two WANG terminals and a printer in the ADDO/N's
office which are connected to the same system; there is also a
Delta Data there, which is connected to the Special Center. No
requirements for additional equipment or software for the DDO's
office are evident at this time.
The DDA has a total of 2 Delta Data terminals, 1 3270 PC, 3 Wang
terminals and a Wang printer. The DDA and ADDA each have private
terminals which are rarely used. The DDA Wang terminals are
currently shared with the DDA registry 7525 system. However,
when the DCI Wang Alliance is installed, the 3 terminals in the
DDA will be switched to the DCI Alliance.
The ADP Staff will be supplying the EA/DDA with a 3270 PC/AT by
March. DDA will supply the line and the EXNET will have an EIS
winner in the DDA office. There is also a 3270 PC/AT on order
for the DDA's secretary.
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The DDS&T and ADDS&T currently have Delta Data terminals in
their areas and use them approximately once a week to check AIM
mail.. Since the DDS&T as a whole is primarily a WANG
Directorate, the WANG equipment in the DDS&T front office does
not communicate with the DCI area. ADP plans are being drawn up
now for the Directorate as a whole and include plans for the
front office. These plans will follow the directions put out by
the ISB in establishing standards for connectibility of
equipment.
There are 7 Delta Data terminals and 2 NBI standalone Word
Processing terminals in the DDI front office. Everyone uses the
Delta Datas for AIM and word processing. They have access to
SAFE but prefer not to use it because they consider it not user
friendly". They consulted with OIR to upgrade their Delta Datas
but was advised against it at the present time.
STAT
In describing the EXNET and an EIS tol IEA/DDI,
he did not see any need at this time in the DDI front office. He
claimed that the DDI and ADDI spent most of their time reviewing
papers and going to substantive meetings. He mentioned that the
Management Planning and Services Staff in the DDI answers most
of the administrative questions asked by the DDI.
Q. SSG
SSG is a small special. staff in the DCI area. They have one
Delta Data, 4 Wang terminals and 1 Wang printer. The Wang
system is part of the OCA Alliance. The Delta Data is connected
to the Northside Computer Center to let SSG extract SAFE cables
for their work. This staff works overtime primarily on Friday
evenings in order to produce a paper for the White House. They
complain constantly about the time it takes to print the final
document, and prefer laser printing over daisy wheel printing.
Currently, they try to send the document to a Xerox 2700 printer
in 7F27, but the availability of VM on Friday evenings is poor.
The ADP Staff is trying to locate a second Wang daisy wheel
printer for this staff.
The DCI History Staff is a 100 percent Wang shop. Located in the
Ames building, they share 9 ports on the PAO Wang Alliance.
They have 6 regular Wang terminals and 3 Wang PCs. It is not.
expected that their data processing needs will change in the
near future. The move to Headquarters in a few years, however,
may leave them without an Alliance host.
In UDAC there are two personal computers and a WANG WPS-25
system. This group moved to Headquarters from Ames Building
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last June. In Ames they had an Alliance system; they are
therefore unhappy about the downgrade to a WPS-25 system and
it's limited capabilities.
The personal computers are an IBM PC/AT, which is used to hold a
database and to do desktop publishing; and an ITC TEMPEST
computer (a TEMPEST version of an IBM XT) with a 20-megabyte
hard disk unit attached. There is a Hewlett Packard plotter
attached to the AT, and a Hewlett Packard LaserJet Printer is
connected to both PC's. The systems are used primarily to
produce a biweekly publication which is sent to Cabinet members.
They would like to upgrade their automation by replacing the
WPS-25 with five personal computers and the Spellbinder Desktop
Publisher software. This would enable the officers to create
their drafts on their PC's and transmit them by diskette to the
master system for final editing and inclusion in their published
product. Five personal computers, four low cost dot matrix
printers (i.e., EPSON fx-85), and one letter quality printer
,,(possibly another HP LaserJet) for the secretary would do the
job nicely. Total software cost would be approximately $3,000.
Because of the highly sensitive nature of their data, they
foresee no requirement to access the mainframe systems. However,
if we purchase new Agency standard PC's for them, they will. have
the capability to connect them to the mainframes in the future
if they so desire.
T. DCI/Security
DCI/SS currently has one Wang terminal and one printer courtesy
of the OCA alliance. With this configuration, the secretary
uses it constantly and during her infrequent absences, the
members of the staff who know Wang scramble for its use. With
the installation of the new DCI Wang Alliance, Security Staff
will be getting two more terminals to alleviate the contention
on their present equipment.
The Senior Review Panel has two NBI standalone Word Processors
and a printer. These adequately serve the needs of the
secretaries of the panel. Some staff members have expressed
interest in having a PC. The ADP Staff does not have this panel
on high priority for a PC, however.
IV. Plans
In 1987 the ADP Staff would like to accomplish the following:
- Complete installation of the DCI Wang Alliance with a line to VM
and phasing in of a new Wang Laser printer.
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Hold monthly meetings with ADP Control Officers and Systems
Administrators of each office within the DCI Area to (a) exchange
data processing problems and solutions, (b) continue to look at
ADP planning on a directorate level (c) coordinate ADP plans to
foster better electronic communication between offices and
publish the plans in an ADMIN notice, (d) submit directorate
level requirements to OIT and (e) ensure that the plans fall
within those standards being set by the ISB.
Approach, discuss, and implement the connection of DCI, OCA,
COMPT, and OIG Wang Alliances to foster better electronic
communication between offices.
Introduce an Executive Information System
Create a smooth transition to the PBX and through all the changes
that are in store with the New Building Communications
installation.
Begin creating plans for movement of data processing equipment
during the New Building Shuffle.
STAT
STAT
DCI/ADP Staff
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