RFC 316 (rfc316) - Page 2 of 7
ARPA Network Data Management Working Group
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 316 Data Management Working Group February 1972 The directory can be centralized (all at one location), distributed (split into pieces but where each piece resides at one location) partially replicated (split into pieces but in which certain parts may be replicated at different locations) and completely replicated (the complete directory at all locations). The data management system will have to deal with possibly different hardware systems and even different local data managements systems. One solution is to have a standard data management and data description language for transmission of requests and data in the network. The system will have to provide capabilities for file transfer, queries, remote batch, and for user communication via a mail box. The security of the data is maintained by checking user id, terminal authorization, process authorization and data authorization. BOB BROWN, General Motors Research Lab., described the network of computers at the General Motors Research Center. This network at present consists of an IBM 360/67, a 360/65, a 370/165, three 1800's and a Sigma 5. All of these are primarily for graphics use except the 67 and the 165. An example of how data passes through the network was given. The styling department develops a design on an 1800. Data on this design is sent to the 67 for stress and shape analysis and the results returned to the 1800. After a design is developed, it is sent to the 65-1800 combination for detailed analysis for production. Many of the computers are running GM's own operating systems, and the network control consists of macros added to these operating systems. Interfacing is done by providing specific conversion modules to the called when the specific conversion is required. The 67 will eventually be replaced by a hierarchical multiprocessor based on the CDC Star-100. PHIL MESSING, MITRE, is setting up an experiment to test the practicability of interfacing a network standard data management language with local data management systems. In this experiment, a user will make a request in the network language, this request will be transmitted to a node, and translated to the language of this local node. At present, three local systems have been selected to be used - MADAM at MIT, LISTAR and Lincoln Labs., and NASIS at NASA/Ames. It is not expected that the common data language will be able to handle all possible requests that may be made. The language should be able to handle the most common requests, otherwise, some means of interaction may be set up in order to allow the transmission of more information to the target system than the common language may allow, or finally, a user can utilize the local target language. McKay & Mulleray
