DI QUESTIONS ABOUT IBM 3270 ATS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90G00993R000100140021-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 6, 2012
• Sequence Number: 21
• Publication Date: April 11, 1986
• Content Type: MEMO

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LONFIDENTI
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SUBJECT: (Optioned)
-Director of Information Technology
1D00, liqi.
EXTENSION Np-2.
17 April 1986
1.
E)(1:1IR
IOW/ARON
.binars
INMALS
2.
3.
5.
6.
COMMENTS (NOtotbor cotottoK-. ,-)Strir ifom %M?
to whom. Mow ? km woos Niro* Oloot Mtmit comm.810.)
7.
I.
Enclosed are copies of two
memos, one responding to the other.
This exchange with the DI may be
of interest to you.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
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CONFIDENTIAL
011-0283-86
1 1 APR 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR: Associate Deputy Director for Intelligence
VIA: Deputy Director for Administration
FROM: William F. Donnelly
Director of Information Technology
SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
REFERENCE: Your Memo, dtd 27 Mar 86,
Same Subject (DDI #01602-86)
1. Your memo about workstations was exceptionally
thorough. To provide a framework to address your concerns, I
wish to restate the Agency's overall strategy in this area.
The complexity of the topic, the incredibly dynamic nature of
the marketplace, conflicting requirements of OIT customers, and
technical debates between OIT and DI staffs have, I'm afraid,
contributed to confusion over this subject. We believe our
strategy is a prudent and reasonable path, and I am confident
it will act as a guideline for you in making your decisions in
the workstation area.
2. What is our strategy? It has several elements. We
intend to provide in each workstation both word processing and
data processing capabilities, along with mainframe
connectivity. A new network architecture and associated
communications protocol will provide high data rates, high
reliability, and universal connectivity. The New Building
Communications Project Office (NBCPO) was responsible for the
choice of network architecture. They selected a modern, highly
capable Private Branch Exchange (PBX) in June 1984.
3. Our choice of a protocol is IBM's modern variant of
the one most used in the mainframe world. It is the so-called
IBM 3270 protocol that is supported by almost all
commercially-available IBM-compatible mainframe software,
plug-compatible front end processors and controllers from many
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
vendors, and, most importantly, almost all workstations work
with this protocol. Among the many reasons for its rather
routine use is that it provides both high data rates (1 megabit
per second) and high reliability (3270 compatible front end
processors run very sophisticated diagnostic software). Our,
selection of the 3270 protocol is, in fact, low risk, highly
functional, and very conservative from our perspective, and
will definitely allow us to improve system reliability as our
customers see it.
4. The workstation issue is more complicated. The 3270
protocol is the de facto IBM standard protocol. Our "legacy"
is an older asynchronous protocol, supported by our front end
processors/controllers (COMTENs), our terminals (Delta Datas),
and our applications and systems software (specifically
CAM--the Conversational Access Method, a communications
software module through which most existing mainframe software
in our environment "talks" to Delta Data terminals). How can
we deal with the "legacy" and move into the future 3270 world?
5. Our direction involves "bridging" from the Delta Data
CAM world under which most of our current applications run to
the new 3270 world where we intend to provide our new
applications. The best "bridging" solution is the IBM 3270 AT,
a sophisticated product that provides the internal software
whereby we will be able to run portions of CAM "under" the 3270
protocol. This is an excellent solution, and we have a major
effort underway to provide the necessary software (loosely
known as the software portion of "NEWS") to support it. We,
too, know that the 3270 AT has some deficiencies. Although the
cost of this machine recently has dropped, in all probability
it will continue to be a relatively expensive machine in the
near term. We have considered this in our planning. We are
cognizant of the preference some of our customers have for the
less complicated standard IBM AT or compatible equipment. We
pointed this out at the Agency Contract Review Board meeting in
January and committed to the Board and later to the Information
Systems Board that we would competitively procure
IBM-compatible, 3270-capable PCs that would meet customer
requirements and competition responsibilities at a more
competitive price. Our goal is a full workstation cost
(hard-disk based, excluding software and network communications
costs) for under $4,000.
2
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
6. We will begin to procure new workstations
competitively within the next year and a half (our target for
contract award is September 1987.) These workstations will, of
necessity, be IBM AT-compatible and capable of 3270 emulation
in some manner. In order to avoid being trapped at any point
in PC technology or pricing, part of the contract will involve
periodic review of both functionality and cost. In the
June/July 1986 timeframe, we will begin an internal software
development effort that will permit an AT-compatible device to
support CAM ("Generic NEWS"). Generic NEWS is targeted to be
available in the spring of 1987. The new workstation will
therefore handle our software "legacy." It will, of course, be
fully supported by OIT. The competitive procurement will
guarantee favorable pricing and perhaps open some configuration
options not available in IBM brand PCs.
7. This leaves us with the question, "What to do now?"
As a short-term solution, I strongly recommend the procurement
of the IBM 3270 AT. This is the only equipment for which we
currently can guarantee full integration into the Agency
network both now and in the future. By this summer, the NEWS
software will be available. By January 1987, we also will have
available a PC-based word processing capability that can
communicate with the host. As the PBX becomes operational in
late 1986, we will begin the phased connection of these devices
to our mainframe network (including SAFE). We expect, based on
proprietary information, that the current 3270 AT will be
functionally compatible with IBM's future PC product line..
8. We understand DI interest in the IBM AT. To choose
that model now would make you dependent for integration in the
Agency network (and use of SAFE Delivery 2) on Generic NEWS.
This has risk and cost implications (board changes will be
required). Use of available "clones" now would be even
riskier, in terms of the ability of Generic NEWS to "play" with
the clone. Furthermore, fragmentation of our workstation
inventory over many types of clones is, potentially, a
difficult support problem, both from the hardware and software
side. Based on the results of our planned competitive buy
(September 1987), we expect to support one or more clones.
Predicting which ones is impossible at this time. We cannot
recommend a clone solution to your problem. Apparent cost
advantages may well be ephemeral.
3
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
9. We therefore believe that to minimize your risk, the
IBM 3270 AT is the preferred path. Our technical personnel
will work with yours to select appropriate configurations. In
addition, we are prepared to address your current SAFE
connectivity problem head-on. You currently have about 200
unallocated COMTEN ports. We are prepared to provide you Delta
Data 8260/7260s so that you may use those ports to extend SAFE
Delivery 2 and Host-based Word Processing to a larger audience
now. We understand that you are willing to tolerate some
reduction in performance to achieve greater connectivity.
Given our current capacity, that is a risk -- especially if AIM
use increases moderately. If you choose this option, we will
obtain these terminals by "swapping" selected Delta Datas from
Agency-wide customers (primarily from OIT "volunteers") for
3270 ATs that you purchase. When NEWS software is finally
implemented, we can swap again. I am aware that even with this
accommodation, you still will require some kind of workstation
for nearly 400 more people. The IBM 3270 AT is the short term
answer. Connection to the mainframe must await the operation
of the secure PBX, but until then these devices would provide
standalone word processing and computing capabilities for your
staff.
10. As the PBX becomes operational, we will work with your
staff to identify the proper phasing-in of DI personnel to SAFE
Delivery 2 using available 3270 ATs and NEWS software. We will
enhance DI connectivity in an expeditious and orderly fashion.
11. Now, I would like to ask for your help. In the
Gramm-Rudman environment, we will be scrambling for funding for
consulting, development, and technical support. We need the
technical expertise in your Directorate for advice, consulting,
testing and evaluation. I believe we must work at improving
the communication between our staffs. I would like a few of my
key technical officers involved with network architecture, the
NEWS project, and workstation evaluation to brief your staff
25X1 and answer their technical questions and concerns.
LbAl Chief, Network Systems Engineering Group, would
p eased to arrange the necessary presentations and
participate in subsequent regularly scheduled technical
exchanges.
4
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
12. Finally, to develop and implement the Agency
information systems network we both desire, I need the
commitment of your managers. We have to move from a
confrontational environment at the working level to one of
mutual cooperation. We must get on with the difficult job
ahead.
DDA/OIT/MD/rjw/bd (4/11/86)
Distribution:
Original 1 - Addressee
1 - DDA
1 - D/OIT
1 - MD Chrono
1 - MD Subject
2 - OIT/Registry
5
U
William F. Donnelly
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Central Intelligence Agency
Office of the Deputy Director for Intelligence
27 March 1986
NOTE TO: Dir!or, Information Technology
While I was preparing this memo to
you yesterday, Dick Kerr walked into my
office. When he discovered what I was up
to, he asked that I send him a copy of
this memo for his information. I have
sent a drop copy to Dick at the same time
I forward this to you. I hope this causes
no problems at your end.
Joh . Helgerson
Ass iate Deputy Director
r Intelligence
Attachment:
DDI #01602-86, dtd 27 Mar 1986
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DDI #01602-86 OIT/TRIS
27 March 1986 LOGGED
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Information Technology
FROM: John L. Helgerson
Associate Deputy Director for Intelligence
SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
1. The DI has a near-term requirement to purchase as many
as 400 computer workstations for personnel who currently have no
access to computing at their desks. We understand OIT's
recommendation that we purchase IBM 3270 ATs. We are also aware
that there is a vigorous and competitive market (both in cost and
performance terms) in PC compatibles or clones. We are
attempting to derive a Directorate strategy to go with the IBM or
a clone, and would appreciate your views on the issues raised
below.
2. We understand that IBM 3270 ATs, as configured for NEWS,
cost between $7,000 and $8,000 without applications software. Is
this a hard figure or can it be brought down in time to get more
for our remaining '86 dollars? We believe that we could purchase
IBM-compatible machines from other vendors of equal or superior
performance for around $4,000, and basic, low-cost PCs (a less
attractive option) for under $2,000. The cost savings accruing
from buying "clones" thus is at least $1.2 million and could be
as much as $2.4 million. I am still unclear about whether and
why it is really necessary to endure the extra cost of the IBM
equipment. If these savings were available to us, we would hope
to provide additional funds to OIT to use on the AIM project,
where performance is stretched beyond the limit and where neither
of us has significant other funds available.
3. As DI officers understand your plans, full SAFE Delivery
2 compatibility will not be available for the IBM machine until
a) the "Virtual CAM Terminal" program is finished, b) a PC-based
word processor is integrated with it and AIM and SAFE, c)
modifications are made to SAFE and other host-based applications
important to the DI to make them operate with the Virtual CAM
terminal, and d) IBM PCs can actually be connected to your
computers as 3270 devices in significant numbers. Are we correct
that those are the necessary steps? If so, when do we
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
realistically expect all this to be accomplished? What fallback
positions do we have if the Virtual CAM Terminal program is
delayed or if it proves difficult to convert our existing
mainframe applications to work with it?
4. I understand that your motivation for selecting the IBM
3270 AT is to be in the"mainstream" of the commercial world, and
I support this goal fully. Yet as my staffers look at the
commercial PC situation, they see the 3270 AT as a costly,
specialized, hybrid device that has found uncertain commercial
acceptance. Instead, the PC marketplace seems to be evolving a
mainstream composed of PC clones connected to local area
networks. Do you believe our Agency can be confident that if we
embrace the 3270 AT, we will not find ourselves outside the
mainstream instead of inside it?
5. We recognize that resources will have to be diverted to
the job of converting our current Delta Data-based applications
to work with the 3270 AT. What opportunity costs are we
incurring? Are there alternatives that do not require conversion
of existing applications?
6. One possible DI strategy for dealing with an uncertain
future is to avoid overcommitting ourselves. For the decision at
hand, this would imply these objectives:
-- Minimize the initial investment in PCs, spending money
instead on such things as central services upon which our
dependence is unambiguous and unlikely to change.
-- Buy relatively basic equipment that can be upgraded as
necessary.
7. We are aware that DIA has decided to purchase Zenith PC
compatibles to be its SAFE terminals. We presume you will devise
and implement a scheme to make SAFE work with the DIA PCs. Would
it be in the best interest of all if a common solution could be
found? Should we go the DIA route and buy the Zenith? What
would be the impact on OIT if we did? What would DI users lose
with the Zenith that they would have with the 3270?
8. We have examined your NEWS initiative for FY '88 in an
attempt to understand the marginal costs associated with
converting from asynchronous to 3270 host connection. This
conversion would be required if the DI were to buy 3270 ATs and
exploit them as such. In the case of additional asynchronous
connections and neglecting continuing payments on any COMTENs
that we do not already fully own, we calculate the marginal cost
of the additional connections the DI requires to be essentially
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SUBJECT: DI Questions About IBM 3270 ATs
zero. This is because the new PBX can be used as a port
contender; indeed, we understand that using it this way is part
of your strategy for the move to the new building. What is the
marginal cost for 3270 connections? Our estimate, based on the
figures in the NEWS initiative, is $2,000 per device, implying an
additional cost of for the 3270 AT option compared with
PC compatibles. This is a big expenditure, even if it does not
have to be paid by us in the DI.
9. I have put these questions on paper to get myself better
informed and to help us in the DI weigh the various
considerations involved in this important decision. If your
office could clarify these points, it would bolster my confidence
that we are indeed making the right decision to go with the 3270,
or, perhaps, that we should explore more completely whether there
are less expensive options available to us. Whatever we do, I
want to be sure OIT and the DI have a common understanding of
where we are going and why as we decide how to spend our scarce
resources.
10. Thanks for your help.
Joh . Helgerson
As iate Deputy Director
r Intelligence
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ADDI/JLHelgerson:
Distribution:
Orig - Adse
1 - DDA
1 - DDI Registry
1 - C/DDI/ASG
1 - ADDI Chrono
(27Mar86)
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MEMORANDUM FOR:
7 April
OIT Workstation Working
1986
Group
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FROM:
SUBJECT:
Meeting on Response
to DDI Memo on W/S
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There will be a meeting on Tuesday,
8 April in office
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(2D00) from 1500 on to discuss a response to the recent DDI memo on
workstation policy. I have sent via AIM a summary of the DDI's
questions. I have sent via hardcopy the actual memo (in the mail Monday
AM). Please be prepared to discuss 1) overall workstation policy; 2)
specific responses to the DDI's questions.
The D/OIT wants a coherent response signed on 11 April(Friday.)
The time is very short to set the policy which is key to the
responses. This process is far from ideal but we must get moving on
this.
I am attaching a strawman cover letter to an attachment which
presumably will contain detailed answers (to be developed.) You will
probably have violent reaction to this strawman. The fact that it exists
gives it a certain probability of becoming our real policy. If this
offends you---bring your counteroffer. Bring a cover letter explaining
a coherent policy and an attachment with specific answers to the DDI's
questions.
Thanks for your cooperation. (Weapons will be checked and body
searches of participants are authorized.)
The time has come. We need to get together on this one or else
suffer rather unpleasant bureaucratic consequences.
That's the NEWS from Lake Woebegone....
Att: a/s
Distribution:
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MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
7 April 1986
Meeting on Response to DDI Memo on W/S
Draft Workstation Strategy
I expect to bring up the following points at the meeting tomorrow:
o Why are we targetting "under $5000" when it is possible to get
a comparable piece of gear for "under $3000".
o Why are we insisting on Zenith? It is one thing to suggest
that we have to make sure that SAFE will run with Zeniths, but it
is also very reasonable to expect that "generic NEWS" and/or the
8260 emulation will run on the Zeniths plus a great number of
other comparable devices. Why are we going to the trouble of
creating a competitive situation and then avoiding a competition?
o Is there no room for asynch in our future? Does everyone need
the coax? Isn't it more expensive to hook up coax? pc boards,
etc)? Doesn't the PBX support asynch? Won't we already have
5000+ Delta Datas using asynch?
o What are we suggesting that they run on the machines that they
buy in the interrim period? TEFT? 8260 Emulation? Generic News?
o What are we telling them to do with their DD-dependent code,
such as the "EZ" packages? Shouldn't they start to convert that
stuff now? To what?
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