The evolution of PRIME networking at the University of Arizona is described. A network of super minicomputers dedicated to administrative computing was established that accommodated online, interactive applications and that supported a variety of software packages to aid in the rapid development of systems. The first microcomputer, a PRIME 550,…

Issues and strategies for developing a campus data communications system are discussed. It is suggested that individual microcomputer (MC) workstations will occasionally have a need for (1) access, via a data communications network, to a more powerful processor; (2) specialized software; (3) sophisticated output devices; (4) central data sets; or…

The evolution of computer hardware for college computing has mirrored the industry's growth. When computers were introduced into the educational environment, they had limited capacity and served one user at a time. Then came large mainframes with many terminals sharing the resource. Next, the use of computers in office automation emerged. As…

Guidelines for colleges seeking to interface their diverse student and administrative databases are presented. The following key concepts are addressed that need to be understood before solving the problem of sharing and transmitting data between diverse databases: effective management of data from an institutional and a user point of view; the…

The feasibility of a partnership between educational institutions and data processing companies is explored. The purpose of a partnership would be to advance institutions technologically by utilizing the best resources of business and education. Attention is directed to a framework based upon a succession of paradigms for explaining stages of data…

Columbia University's major program to distribute its central administrative data processing to its various schools and departments is described. The Distributed Administrative Management Information System (DAMIS) will link every department and school within the university via micrcomputers, terminals, and/or minicomputers to the central…

The size, cost, and complexity of quantitative modeling in the social and physical sciences demand that modelers focus attention on premodeling phases of analysis, specifically on formulation and definition of problems. This is especially true in the areas of futures research and technology assessment. At the problem-defining stage of modeling, a…

The West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing (WVNET) was formed in March 1975 and provides a full range of academic and administrative information processing services to fifteen State supported colleges and universities. This paper briefly reviews the purpose of, rationale for, and configuration of the network. Accomplishments and…

A major conversion of existing systems has significantly improved the administrative computing capabilities of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The training function has been emphasized as a vital element for an interactive computing environment. (MLW)

The interconnection between personal computers and other personal, mini, or mainframe computer systems is discussed. The following topics relevant to college personnel are addressed: hardware techniques for tying computers together, advantages and disadvantages of available software, the prospects for sophisticated micro/mainframe links with major…

Proceedings of a 1986 CAUSE conference on the impact of converging information technologies are presented. Topics of conference papers include: policy issues in higher education, planning and information technology, people issues in information technology, telecommunications/networking, special environments, microcomputer issues and applications,…

Reasons for distributed systems (DS) of planning and design for information services for colleges are discussed. The methodologies and approaches from industry and academe are contrasted to show how the process of DS can be effectively managed to meet a variety of institutional needs. DS represent a natural evolution of the historic development of…

As part of a long-range information systems planning effort at the University of Miami, the impact of technology on the organization was assessed. The assessment covered hardware, office automation, systems and database software, and communications. The trends in computer hardware point toward continued decreasing size and cost, placing computer…

In the age of data-driven decision making, collecting data and using it efficiently is key to all aspects of the education process. Online surveys are a great way to gather information on everything from lunchroom procedures to program design. This information can impact solutions for student achievement, community relations, and district…

The State Criminal Justice Telecommunications (STACOM) project has developed techniques for the identification and analysis of user requirements and designs for networks for the dissemination of criminal justice information on a state-wide basis. Techniques developed for user requirements analysis include methods for determining data required,…