Showing papers in "Ibm Systems Journal in 1986"

The IBM 3090 system: an overview

Abstract: The first part of this paper places the IBM 3090 system in historical perspective with respect to its predecessors. Treated briefly are the technology and the design process, both of which were critical to the development of the 3090. Presented in detail is the 3090 system itself, with emphasis on its features that differ from those of prior systems.

Open systems interconnection

Abstract: The subject of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standardization is becoming increasingly important to the telecommunications and information processing communities. A number of OSI standards have been completed, others are near completion, and initial product offerings by vendors have begun. This paper briefly defines what OSI is, the interrelationships of the various standards bodies, and the goals and benefits to users, vendors, country post telephone and telegraph bodies, common carriers, and governments. The IBM view of OSI and how it relates to Systems Network Architecture is also discussed.

The IBM System/370 vector architecture

Abstract: Discussed is the instruction-set architecture of the IBM System/370 vector facility, a compatible extension of the System/370 architecture. Both the base system, which is a general-purpose System/370 processor, and the optional vector facility employ a register type of organization. Data formats are the same, arithmetic operations produce exactly the same results, arithmetic exceptions are handled in the same way, and instructions are precisely interruptible for page faults and other causes in the same manner as those of the base system. This approach permits substantially increased performance on vectorizable programs with only a modest increase in hardware and software, while retaining the ability to run existing nonvector programs unchanged.

Engineering and scientific processing on the IBM 3090

Abstract: The IBM 3090 processor implementation of the System/370 Vector Architecture represents a major new system design for engineering and scientific processing, featuring both scalar and vector capability in a uniprocessor and in a dyadic and four-way parallel processing environment. The history of large-scale scientific processing is reviewed, leading to a statement of current requirements. The design objectives for scalar, parallel, and vector capabilities are identified, followed by a summary of the resulting 3090 features. Selected highlights of the vector hardware are given, followed by a summary of the supporting software. The paper concludes with a discussion of performance, beginning with the identification of suitable applications. An example is given of one application utilizing each of the three capabilities: scalar, parallel, and vector. Several of the most important performance parameters are identified.

Vector system performance of the IBM 3090

Abstract: Performance of the Vector Facility of the IBM 3090 processor is discussed. The paper has two parts, the first presenting factors affecting performance measurement of the Vector Facility and the criteria for its design. In the second part, use of the 3090 storage hierarchy to support the vector processing implementation is the main aspect of the discussion.

YES/MVS and the automation of operations for large computer complexes

Abstract: The Yorktown Expert System/MVS Manager (known as YES/MVS) is an experimental expert system that assists with the operation of a large computer complex. The first version of YES/MVS (called YES/MVS I) was used regularly in the computing center of IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center for most of a year. Based on the experience gained in developing and using YES/MVS I, a second version (YES/MVS II) is being developed for further experimentation. This paper discusses characteristics of the domain of large computing system operation that have been illuminated by the YES/MVS I experience, and it describes the modifications in the design of YES/MVS II that are an outgrowth of the YES/MVS I experience.

Tools for building advanced user interfaces

Abstract: System developers are noticing that their design decisions strongly affect computer usability. The design of the user interface has an important bearing on the knowledge users must have to accomplish work through the user-computer interface. Recognition of this fact is leading to the development of User Interface Management Systems (UIMSs). A UIMS is a design concept for separating the details of user interaction from the details of advanced applications. This paper shows how UIMS research and research into the representation of user process knowledge (i.e., user how-to-do-it skills) can help developers understand issues involving ease of learning and ease of use. This parallel progress in UIMS development and in user modeling makes it easier to build high-quality advanced user interfaces.

Software engineering: an emerging discipline

Abstract: Software engineering is an emerging discipline whose goal is to produce reliable software products in cost-effective manner. This discipline is evolving rapidly as the challenges faced by its practitioners keep extending their skills. This paper gives a quick tour of the main ideas and thrusts that have driven software engineering in its first 25 years and attempts to look ahead at the next set of advances.

Network management software usability test design and implementation

Abstract: The approach used at one of IBM's development sites for usability testing is somewhat different from methods used elsewhere. The approach was developed specifically for testing of software communications products as one aspect of the System Usability Process. The test design and implementation are described.

The numeric representation of knowledge and logic: two artificial intelligence applications in medical education

Abstract: MEDCAT (medical diagnosis, consultation, and teaching) is a program that makes diagnoses from empiric data stored in patient records, explains its reasoning in response to questions (consultant mode), and uses its logical and communicative skills to instruct medical students in the proper approach to medical diagnosis (student mode). MEDCAT's reasoning can be modified by free-format discussion with physicians. CATS (computerized anatomical teaching system) is an entirely separate program designed to teach gross anatomy. Like MEDCAT, it has a consultant mode that the student may use to explore the program's reasoning, and a student mode in which the program takes the initiative. A prominent feature of CATS is its ability to discover meaningful general principles that reduce the need for memorization. Despite important differences in the subject matter, the data structure and code are very similar in the two programs. Both use a powerful natural-language interface that parses the input and generates the output.

IBM 3090 performance: a balanced system approach

Abstract: The IBM 3090 system represents the highest level of system performance offered by IBM to date. To realize the full performance potential of this system, it is essential to maintain a balance among its various components. The major components of the system are the processor(s), storage, I/O, and the software that manages the system resources. Their performance attributes are discussed and their effect on system performance illustrated by laboratory benchmark measurements for the MVS and VM operating systems.

The system usability process for network management products

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of a process for system usability. The process is a systematic series of activities and procedures designed to improve the usability of software network management products. The elements of the process are given and future directions for evaluating usability described.

Workstations and mainframe computers working together

Abstract: The history and design philosophy of a research project that produced a prototype soitware package are described. The package provides cooperation between large-scale mainframe computing systems and personal desktop workstations. Also discussed are the features of PC/VM Bond, the product that grew out of the research project.

Knowledge-based systems in the commercial environment

Abstract: Knowledge-based systems are among the first applications of artificial intelligence to make the crossover from the laboratory to the real-world commercial environment. Typically, artificial intelligence systems have been implemented in the LISP programming language on specialized hardware. The experimental nature of early systems has allowed many of them the luxury of having little or no interface to existing hardware, software, or data. In this paper, arguments are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing knowledge-based shell systems using traditional hardware and software. Also, an architecture is proposed for knowledge-based shell systems that is compatible with the software development environment of large commercial information systems organizations. To demonstrate these concepts, an example system is shown.

Computing as a tool for human augmentation

Abstract: The IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown, New York, has experienced a factor of twenty times increase in the past ten years in the amount of time its people spend using computers interactively in their work. This is twice the penetration rate of television in the 1950s. A similar degree of penetration is expected to happen in the rest of industry in the next ten years. That will mean a major departure from traditional data processing, with computers being used as tools to augment the users' abilities in all phases of their work. Examples of human augmentation, as seen in the work of several researchers, are offered in this paper. The integration of large numbers of personal workstations into this environment has given us new understanding of how to work. The causes, impediments, and consequences of these changes are described, with emphasis on human requirements for bandwidth, response time, tools, on-line storage, and computing capacity.

Introduction to IBM's knowledge-systems products

Abstract: The industrialization of artificial intelligence is believed by many to be a technology that will contribute to a new generation of "smart" computer systems. Technical managers who are users or suppliers of computer systems are trying to understand how the technology can help them, and they are finding it an elusive subject to grasp. This introductory paper starts with a technology overview that aims to address this need for understanding and provide a suitable background for the papers that follow.

Improving availability of software subsystems through on-line error detection

Abstract: A VM/370 program called Auditor detects faults in the operation of computer software subsystems and attempts to restore service as quickly as possible Through a series of periodic tests, Auditor diagnoses whether these subsystems are operating properly When faults are detected, service restoration procedures are automatically called, and the persons responsible for the subsystems are notified The various types of faults are recorded for subsequent analysis

Systems architecture in transition: an overview

Abstract: Systems architecture refers to the distribution of function and control among elements of a system. It is primarily a structural concept that includes the original meaning of the word architecture in the form of "processor architecture." This paper undertakes to describe topics of current interest in the evolution of computing structures. It discusses various unit structures that may emerge as the economics and capabilities of technology relax more and more constraints Of particular interest is the internal structure of a central computing complex, the relation of computing elements and I/O elements, and the maturity of the I/O elements. The paper also suggests that the structures found within a single computing unit may be realized across larger elements more widely dispersed, Hardware and software issues are addressed.

The genesis of a knowledge-based expert system

Abstract: This paper discusses the genesis, development, and testing of a knowledge-based expert system called the Contract Support Services Consultant. This system aids in the process of estimating, bidding, and preparing agreements for certain services required for the rearrangement, relocation, discontinuance, and reinstallation of IBM equipment. The goals in developing the prototype of the Contract Support Services Consultant were to capture the knowledge and experience of experts and make them available to nonexperts in a convenient, consistent way. The result is a system that improves the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of the estimates and bids.

Impact of memory systems on computer architecture and system organization

Abstract: The largest part of computer architecture, in both the central processing unit and the overall system, has been and continues to be directly influenced in one way or another by the types of memory systems available. This is readily apparent in certain areas such as I/O architecture and memory hierarchies. However the pervasiveness of this influence throughout the entire system is not so obvious. This paper demonstrates this relationship and shows how it has affected computer architecture over the years. Two approaches are used, the first being a direct look at how specific architectures attempt to circumvent the limitations of the associated memory system. This includes such topics as the internal architecture of CPUs: memory hierarchies and virtual memory, I/O architecture, file structuring, and data base architecture. Second, a gedanken (thought) experimentis used to predict future trends. It is assumed that very large-scale integration will evolve to the point at which we can have nearly any main memory system we desire with some reasonable constraints. The architectural changes that might take place will be seen to be precisely related to the weaknesses in current memory systems which various architectures currently attempt to circumvent.

An advanced voice/data telephone switching system

Abstract: This paper describes a voice/data circuit-switching system known as the ROLM CBX II. The paper first discusses what the ROLM CBX II family does, describing the most important functions and relating them to popular voice and data applications. The second section describes how the CBX II works, delineating the architecture and giving some details of the system implementation. The final section offers an assessment of what the CBX II and similar products might become in the future.

Computer processing of dates outside the twentieth century

Abstract: This paper presents practical solutions to problems envisioned in extending computer processing of dates beyond the twentieth century. Many data processing managers are concerned with processing cross-century dates, and in doing so using existing systems, with a minimum of disruption to normal operations. The use of existing date formats can eliminate the need for massive system modifications. Methods of using existing date formats across century boundaries are explained. The use of a format termed the Lilian date format in honor of Luigi Lilio, the inventor of the Gregorian calendar, is introduced. The requirements for an effective date-processing algorithm are presented.

Prolog for applications programming

Abstract: This paper discusses the problems and benefits of using the Prolog language to write application programs. Much attention is currently focused on expert-systems shells, which play a role in artificial intelligenc(AI) systems similar to that of application generators in more conventional applications. The Prolog programming language embodies many of the features found in these shells, while providing a relatively general and complete programming language. MVS performance tuning is used as an application that typifies a broad class of applications suitable for implementation in this language. Some of the difficulties that had to be overcome to use the language are presented, with their solutions.

The portable inference engine: fitting significant expertise into small systems

Abstract: The Portable Inference Engine (PIE) is the nucleus of an expert system that allows the segmentation of rules in order to utilize large knowledge bases in limited memory. If the expert-systems rules can be divided into segments of highly related rules with little interaction among those segments, such knowledge-base segments can then be paged in and out of memory on demand. PIE gathers information by querying the user and executing external procedures in order to conclude goals.

The evolution of printers and displays

Abstract: Printer and display technologies have undergone remarkable changes since the beginning of the computer era. In this paper we trace the evolution of these two types of I/O devices, from the middle of the 1940s to the present, and show how computer system evolution has influenced the designs and technologies of I/O devices.

IBM small-system architecture and design: past, present, and future

Abstract: Small computer systems have become widespread and important parts of the computer industry. In this paper, a selection of IBM's small-system architectures and design approaches are reviewed. Then c...