LASER DISK WORKING GROUP

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 22, 2012
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: May 5, 1986
• Content Type: MEMO

STAT
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
5 MAY 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Administration
FROM:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
Henry P. Mahoney
Director of Logistics
Laser Disk Working Group
Note for D/OL fm D/OIT, dtd 8 Apr 86
1. We were not aware of any of the formalized actions,
outlined in reference, regarding the tracking laser disk
technology.
2. Prior to releasing my proposal for the creation of a
Laser Disk Working Group, representatives from the Printing and
Photography Division (P&PD), Office of Logistics, contacted
individuals from the Office of the Executive Director, Office
of Central Reference, Office of Information Technology (OIT),
and the DI Management Staff. The P&PD people apparently
contacted the "wrong folks" because none of them indicated an
awareness of any formal monitoring of laser disk technology.
In fact, the working group proposal has been welcomed py
several components?the Office of Information Services has
asked to have four representatives on the group and the DI nas
asked to join in. The Office of Security has already nominated
its representative to the working group.
3. Based on the receptivity concerning the proposal and
the wide interest in laser disk technology, I recommend that a
formal working group be established as suggested in my
memorandum. Given the unique and rather specific interests in
laser disk technology on the part of a number of Directorate of
Administration components, this working group would certainly
be in an excellent position to assess the utilization of this
technology. While P&PD has offered to head up the group, I
have no problem with OIT playing this role--we would merely
request that P&PD be represented.
Attachment:
Reference
cc: AD/OIT
Kenry P. Manoney
OL 11038-86
.STAT
1 'PIT/TM:57
70C=
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
CONFIDE TIAL
NOTE FOR: Director, OL
Hank:
8 April 1986
The enclosed memo is certainly a commentary on the way we do business
here in the Agency. I was not aware that OL/P&PD was monitoring laser disk
technology. I was aware that OCR, OD&E, ORD and OIT (read ODP) have been
tracking the technology for up to ten years. I know that,DO/SE Division,
DO/IMS and OIS have recently been interested in what OCR might do in this
field and were thinking about testbeds. The Information Systems Board has
discussed the topic more than once in the past two years.
A year or more ago, OCR turned to OD&E to determine if they could come up
with an optical disk solution for biographic files. It was found to cost too
much and have other problems and the effort ended a few months ago. (OD&E had
considered using optical disk for storage but finally gave up for the time
being.) Now, OIT has been asked by OCR to develop a way to capture biographic
files in electronic form (not optical disk) as part of SAFE.
I believe the bottom line for now was determined by the EXDIR several
months ago when it was decided, for fiscal reasons, to let industry develop
optical disk - we would watch and see what happens.
As you can see from the comments above, OTT is watching laser disk
(optical disk) technology as a normal part of our business. Our mission
includes watching such things. It's apparent we should share better.
In light of these comments, what do you think?
William F. Donnelly
OL
a? 0/49X-86
25X1
25X1
CONF IAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5
ADMINISTRATIV - INTERNAL USE ONLY
C3 An 1SE:6
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Information Services
Director of Information Technology
Director of Security
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Henry P. Mahoney
Director of Logistics
Proposal for the Creation of a 'Laser Disk' Working Group
1. It has recently come to my attention that laser (optical) disk
technology is nearing a point where it may prove invaluable to Office,
Directorate. and Agency requirements for improved methods of information
storage and retrieval. It is my understanding that several Agency
components are currently exploring applications that are pertinent only to
their unique requirements. Instead, it is suggested that all interested
parties combine their talents in a centralized working group for the
purpose of defining requirements, information sharing, establishing
standards to prevent the procurement of incompatible systems, defining
unified security procedures, and to explore all potential uses of this
highly flexible medium.
2. For the past several years the Office of Logistics, Printing and
Photography Division (OL/P&PD) has aggressively pursued the monitoring of
developments in laser disk technology in a variety of applications ranging
from electronic publishing to interactive training systems. In addition,
P&PD personnel have represented the Agency at lany conferences, seminars,
and federal 'standards' committee meetings regarding this emerging
technology. For this reason I suggest that P&PD become the focal point for
this working group.
3. Please forward comments and/or the names of employees to serve on
the laser disk working group to Room 154, Printing &
Photography Bldg. If you require additional information about laser disk
technology please contact on extension or green line
'Henry P. Mahoney
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
cc: Deputy Director for Administration I
OL 11026-86
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/22 : CIA-RDP90G00993R000100260012-5