United States      Office of Administration and        208-R-92-001
               Environmental Protection Resources Management          November 30,1991
               Agency         Architectural Management & Planning Branch
                           .Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
&EPA       Information Technology
               Architecture

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Environmental Protection Agency
                     Presented By
     Architectural Management and Planning Branch
        "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
               National Data Processing Division
              Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
U S Environmental Protection A|
Region 5, Library (PM2J)
77 West Jackson B^levsrd, 12t
Chicago, IL  CC&-J4-3590
                      November 1991

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Overview
   This document provides a summary of the Environmental Protection
   Agency's (EPA's) current information technology architecture, its
   underlying principles, and its future enhancement efforts. The diagrams
   and text on the following pages form an overall picture on the Agency's
   information technology architecture and represents the decisions of IRM
   management.  In addition to presenting the current architecture, the
   document reflects decisions and standards that are in the implementation
   process. Individuals involved in planning, implementing, and using the
   Agency's information resources will receive the greatest benefit from
   reviewing this document.

   Section 1 - EPA's Current Architecture presents the Agency's architectural
   foundations, including the current hardware platforms, software tools, and
   data communications environment. The hardware platforms and software
   tools are linked in the architectural vision through the tier approach. The
   tiers are hierarchical - national resources and local/personal resources.

   Section 2 - Acquisitions summarizes procurements that have recently been
   completed or procurements that are in process. The acquisitions represent
   the Agency's effort to implement and utilize the most modern technology
   to meet growing user demands.

   Section 3 - Architectural Issues identifies areas of concern for information
   resource managers.  The findings, recommendations, and
   limitations/actions proposed by the resolution team are described.

   Section 4 - AMPB and the ITAS Contract provides a brief description of the
   Architectural Management and  Planning Branch's (AMPB's) organization
   chart and the Information Technology Architecture Support (ITAS)
   contract, illustrating the team that coordinates the Agency's architecture
   development efforts.
                                                                 November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
•£PA's Information Technology experts"
Outline
      Section 1 - EPA's Current Architecture
            Architectural Objectives
            Architectural Tiers
            Hardware Locations
            Architecture Overview
            Data Communications
            Regional Office LAN Connections
            File Transfer
            Video Teleconferencing

      Section 2 - Acquisitions
      Recently Completed Acquisitions
         •  Geographic Information System (CIS) Workstations
         •  DEC Scientific Hardware/Software
         •  SQL/RDBMS on LANs
      In Process Acquisitions
         •  Agency Workstations
         •  RDBMS for Scientific Computing
         •  High Speed Printers
         •  High Performance Computing
         •  International Network Access

      Section 3 - Architectural Issues
         •  LAN as a National Application Platform
         •  SQL/RDBMS
         •  LMF Futures and Regional Servers
         •  Email and Document Distribution
         •  Common User Interface
         •  AS/400 Utilization
          •  IRM Training
          •  UNIX

      Section 4 - AMPB and the ITAS Contract
          •  Architectural Management and Planning Branch
          •  AMPB Organization Chart
          •  Information Technology Architecture Support Contract
 November 1991

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Section  1  - EPA's  Current Architecture


Architectural Objectives
   The initial objectives of the Agency's information technology architecture
   were developed by EPA Information Resources Management in 1984 as
   part of a modernization plan.  Since initial development, these objectives
   have been periodically updated by the Office of Information Resources
   Management (OIRM) and the National Data Processing Division (NDPD).
   However, the fundamental objective of a multi-user, multi-platform,
   Agency-wide architecture has remained the cornerstone of the information
   technology development strategy.

   The architecture consists of two major computing resources located at the
   National Computer Center  (NCC) - the IBM mainframe and the DEC VAX
   cluster.  The IBM platform, running the MVS/ESA operating system,
   supports the general  user population with national applications and Agency
   databases.  The DEC VAX  platform, running the VMS operating system, is
   the primary resource  supporting the computing and data storage needs of
   the research and laboratory community.

   Minicomputers, LAN  servers, and personal workstations bring computing
   resources directly to the user. MS/DOS and UNIX have been selected as
   the primary operating systems for desktop workstations.

   The Agency complies with  standards issued  by several organizations
   including the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST).  In an
   effort to conform to national standards, the Agency uses IBM's Systems
   Network Architecture (SNA) as the telecommunications architecture. SNA
   links IBM-compatible  hosts at Research Triangle Park  (RTP) and Cincinnati
   and provides terminal access to the hosts. VAX hosts are linked via the
   DECNET/X.25 architecture.  ASCII interactive terminals access the IBM
   hosts at RTP through the X.25 protocol.

   NIST has established  the Government Open Systems Interconnection
   Profile (GOSIP), a federal standard for WANs. GOSIP promotes
   interoperability (the ability to transfer files, messages, and transactions)
   across heterogeneous vendor-specific computing platforms. The Agency is
   developing plans to implement the GOSIP standard on all of its major
   computing platforms.
                                                              Novwntrar 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch                "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectural Objectives
         •  Provide functions and capabilities required by Agency
            customers and anticipate their future needs

         •  Promote consistency with mainstream hardware/software
            platforms
            -  IBM MVS/ESA and its successors as platforms for
               national production applications
            -  DEC VAX/VMS for laboratory applications
            -  MS/DOS and UNIX for desktop computing
            -  Novell NetWare for Token Ring LANs to link PCs
            -  DECNET and Ethernet LANs to  link workstations in the
               laboratory environment

         •  Comply with FIPS and de facto standards to promote
            interoperability
            -  SNA for IBM-compatible WANs
            -  X.25 for connecting IBM, VAX, and other vendor
               processors
            -  Comply with GOSIP Version  1  (FIPS 146) in the
               acquisition of all new computing platforms
            -  MVS/ESA operating system for the IBM mainframe
               platform
            -  VMS operating system for the  DEC VAX platform
            -  Novell operating system for Token Ring LAN file servers
            -  UNIX operating system for imaging and geographic
               information system workstations

         •  Acquire and implement information technology components
November 1991                                                            Pag* 4

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Architectural Tiers
    There are two levels or tiers of computing resources within the Agency.
    The tiers are distinguished by the relative power of the hardware platforms
    and the functions supported by their software tools.

    Tier 1 computing resources are national in nature and support the large
    processing requirements of users in both the administrative and scientific
    communities.

         The IBM mainframe supports a significant portion of the
         Agency's national applications and databases.  The critical
         nature of the mainframe's  functions justifies the secondary
         mainframe located at a disaster  recovery site in Cincinnati.
         The disaster recovery mainframe is capable  of supporting the
         Agency's critical applications.

         The VAX cluster serves the research and laboratory
         community and offers processing power that exceeds the local
         resources at most of the laboratory sites.  While the VAX
         cluster supports many scientific computing requirements, the
         Agency has recently negotiated  supercomputing resources
         from the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC).

         A separate VAX cluster provides Agency users with national
         electronic mail. DEC'S ALL-IN-1 is an office automation
         system that provides electronic  messaging, document transfer,
         and bulletin board services.

   Tier 2 computing resources address the needs of specific locations,
   functions, and users.  DEC VAX systems support the local needs of the
   laboratory and research sites in the Agency.  Regional offices are supplied
   with LAN  servers for processing regional and national applications.  Special
   function minicomputers and workstations provide scientific platforms for
   Geographic Information Systems  (GIS), Laboratory Information
   Management Systems (LIMS), and Image Processing Systems (IPS). In
   addition to these multi-user resources,  tier 2 includes PCs that bring service
   directly to the user.
                                                                 November 1991

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                                                              National
                                                            Computing
                                                              Center
  Disaster
 Recovery
 Cincinnati
                     National
                    Computing
                      Center
                                           National
                                          Computing
                                            Center
                                                          DEC
                                                       VAX Cluster
         IBM
     ES9021-340
     Mainframes
                      IBM
                   ES9021-720
                   Mainframes
                                         DEC
                                      VAX Cluster
                                           Electronic
                                         Mail Services
                                               Special
                                               Function
                                              Computing
                                                       Personal
                                                       Computer
 Scientific
Workstation
Laboratory
Computing
                            General
                           Computing
                                                             Intel 386
                                                             Intel 486
  RISC
Processor
                                        Minicomputer
                                        Systems and
                                        Workstations
   VAX
 MicroVAX
                                   LAN
                                 Servers
November 1991

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Tier 1 of the Architecture
   The IBM host environment supports over 16,000 users for application
   development, transaction processing, national database applications, and
   file-oriented application systems. Information Builders Inc.'s FOCUS, a
   fourth generation language and database management system, is provided
   as a tool for end-user computing and small/simple applications.  SAS is the
   Agency's approved software for statistical analysis and file management.
   SAS Graph and Tell-A-Graf are provided for graphics development and
   production. Programming languages such as C, FORTRAN, and COBOL
   may be used for application development.

   The disaster recovery mainframe located in  Cincinnati is configured with a
   limited set of the applications present on the mainframe host located at the
   NCC. The application support software residing on the disaster recovery
   mainframe includes SAS, FOCUS, and FORTRAN.  All software tools
   required to run the Agency's critical applications are loaded onto the
   disaster recovery mainframe.

   The VAX cluster utilizes many of the same software tools found on the
   IBM platform. The VAX cluster applications include FOCUS for database
   management and SAS and SAS Graph for statistical analysis and
   presentation.  FORTRAN is available as the programming language on most
   of the tier 1 hardware platforms.  ESRI's ARC/INFO allows the VAX cluster
   to process data in the Geographic Information System  (GIS), which is
   present on tier 2.

   A second VAX cluster has recently  been installed to serve as the national
   electronic mail platform for the Agency. Residing on the  VAX cluster is
   DEC's ALL-IN-1 office automation system. In addition  to electronic
   messaging, ALL-IN-1 provides document transfer and bulletin board
   services.
                                                               November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                            •EPA '3 Information Technology Expats'
                                                         National
                                                        Computing
                                                          Center
     Disaster
     Recovery
     Cincinnati
    National
   Computing
    Center
                                        National
                                       Computing
                                         Center
                                                         DEC
                                                      VAX Cluster
         IBM
     ES9021-340
      Mainframes
                        IBM
                     ES9021-720
                     Mainframes
                      DEC
                   VAX Cluster
                   Electronic
                 Mail Services
                                                         VMS
                                                       ALL-IN-1
 J MVS\ESA

J    TSO
CICS I  ISO
    ISPF
FORTRAN
                                                     ELECTRONIC
                                                      MESSAGING
                                    ARC/INFO
                                                      DOCUMENT
                                                      TRANSFER
   FORTRAN
                      FORTRAN
                                                       BULLETIN
                                                        BOARD
                                                    WORDPERFECT
      OTHER
   APPLICATIONS
      DURING
     DISASTER
                     SAS GRAPH
                    TELL-A-GRAF
 November 1991

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Tier 2 of the Architecture
   Tier 2 is becoming dramatically influenced by the large number of
   workstations and LANs within the Agency. The growth of LANs has
   prompted the implementation of the remote file server resource.

   Remote file servers run the Novell NetWare operating system to support
   multiple users.  The remote file servers support national and regional
   applications such as the Superfund Enforcement Documents Library System
   and the Personnel Information System utilized by Region 1.  WASTELAN is
   a LAN-based national application for tracking hazardous waste sites. The
   Agency anticipates significant LAN-based application development on the
   remote file servers as they are fully implemented.  In addition to
   environmental systems, the remote file servers support LAN-based office
   productivity applications such as WordPerfect Office.

   DEC VAX and Micro VAX systems provide computing resources for the
   Agency's laboratories and research facilities.  Many of the DEC systems are
   configured with FORTRAN for application development, SAS for statistical
   analysis, and FOCUS for database management. Many of the laboratories
   have developed scientific applications for the VAX and MicroVAX
   platforms.

   Special function minicomputers and workstations provide the Agency with
   a platform for dedicated information systems. These computers support
   CIS, LIMS, and IPS.

   Workstations connected via Token Ring and Ethernet LANs link customers
   to more powerful  processing platforms and facilitate the distribution of
   information.  Departmental servers allow  workgroups or teams to share
   common applications and frequently updated databases.  The standard
   workstation is an  Intel 386 machine.  Intel 486 machines are available to
   meet users' high power workstation requirements and Reduced Instruction
   Set Computing (RISC) architecture workstations enhance scientific
   computing and graphics applications.
                                                               November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                            'EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                             Special
                                             Function
                                            Computing
                                                      Personal
                                                      Computer
 Scientific
Workstation
Laboratory
Computing
                             General
                            Computing
                                                          Intel 386
                                                          Intel 486
    RISC
  Processor
                VAX
              MicroVAX
                         Minicomputer
                         Systems and
                         workstations
                                 LAN
                                Servers
                  FORTRAN
                 SCIENTIFIC
                 SOFTWARE
                               NATIONAL
                               REGIONAL
                                APP
                                  LAN
                                                       WORD
                                                      PERFECT
    ARC/INFO
                                                         LOTUS 123
  tfATHEMATIC
                                                        CROSSTALK
                                 WORD
                               PERFECT
                                OFFICE
SCIENTIFIC
SOFTWARE
November 1991
                                                                   Pag* 10

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 "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
   Architectural Management and Planning Branch
 Hardware  Locations
                                                                                                          Research
                                                                                                          Triangle
                                                                                                          Park
                       • National Computer Centtr
                         Rtaea/ch Triangle Park, NC
                           ISM ES9C21-720S
                           VAX Cluster
                           LANs (Token Ring t Ethernet)
                           Special Function Minis

                       A EM Headquarter*
                         Waehington, DC
                           LAN> pbh*n'Ring I Ethernet)
                           Special Function Mm«

                       O Futurt Labonlory
                           High P*rtOTiTmno» Computer
                           EtheriMt LAN>

                       D Oiaaclcr RaeovMy Bit<
                         Cincinnati, OH
                           IBM ESM21-340
                           VAX 11/765
                           LAN* (Token Ring a Ethernet)

                       A Regional Otlicee
                           Token Ring LAN. (Servers)
                           Ethernet LANs
                           Special Function Minn
                       • Laboretorlea
                           DEC VAXs (11/78x. 63x0.
                           86x0. and MicroVAXj)
                           Ethernet LANs
                           Special Function Mints
flflWM

0 Future High Performance CompuUi

IDl DEC VAX (11/7*1, C3XOL M«0)
 DOCC Micro VAX

 D Special PurpoM Minia

^.Token Ring IAN Platforme
V Etnernet LANe
fage
                                                                                                        NovMnber  1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                 •EPA's iHformttkm Technology Experts'
Architecture Overview
   'Disaster Recovery Site   Cincinnati, OH \   (EPA Headquarters      Washington, DC
              IBM ES9021-340
                       Novell Servers and Token Ring LANs
                      VJSpeclal Function Minicomputers
                1.54 Mbps
                Dedicated
                                   1.54 Mbps Dedicated Line
Line
        56Kbps
       1.54 Mbps
  rDedicated Lines
    National Computer Center (NCC)
                                    Research Triangle Park.
      IBMES9021-720(TSO)
      IBM ES9021-720 (ADABAS)
Email Cluster
 (2) DEC VAX 6510
          (2) DEC VAX 8650
          DEC VAX 6420, 11/785
                                  56 Kbps
                             Dedicated Lines
                                to each Site
                         56 Kbps
                         Dedicated Lines
                         to each Site
    Regional Offices
   ^Novell Servers and Token Ring LANs
                       
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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
Data Communications
   The Agency's data communications network serves EPA, state
   environmental agencies, other federal agencies, and commercial
   enterprises.  To facilitate communication among these diverse
   organizations, the network supports interactive terminal access to  tier 1
   and tier 2 platforms for ASCII terminals and PCs.  The network includes
   multiplexors and protocol conversion devices, communication controllers,
   X.25 switches and X.25 PADS.  Some state IBM hosts are linked to the
   Agency's SNA logical network via the SNA Network Interconnect (SNI)
   feature.  DEC-to-DEC communication is accomplished by DECNET
   architecture  using X.25 as the transport protocol. DEC-to-IBM connectivity
   is provided via a DEC/SNA gateway at NCC.

   Peer networking for remote PCs on Token Ring and Ethernet LANs is
   limited to a campus area environment. Wide area peer networking is
   planned for the future.

   The network supports ASCII and SNA protocols for the IBM environment.
   The bulk data transfer feature of SNA is used for file transfer among IBM
   hosts.  The Network Job Entry (NJE) component of SNA enables the
   transfer of batch jobs and print files among IBM hosts.
                                                               November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                               •EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Data Communications
                         Disaster
                         Recovery
                         ESBOOO s* NCC
                                  IBM
                                  ES0000
            DEC VAX
             86x0
             64X0
             11/TSx
                                    Special
                                    Function
                                      Mini
                                       EPA's
                                      National
                                        Data
                                  Communications
                                      System
                                        SNA
                                        X.25
                                       TCP/IP
DECNET/X.25

     &
     ASCII
                                                               Regional
                                                               Servers
 November 1991

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Wide Area  Network
   The Agency's data network provides access to users throughout the
   continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.  The logical
   network consists of a backbone SNA network, an X.25 network, and a
   state network.

   The network is evolving into a design that offers higher capacity and
   performance, greater reliability, and significant overall savings using
   FTS2000, the government's telecommunications system.  The new
   network has the following design characteristics.

         Each regional office and the Las Vegas laboratory is linked to
         the network with two 56 kbps circuits. The first circuit is
         primarily utilized for SNA traffic and links  with NCC.  The
         second circuit links the sites to Cincinnati  and serves X.25
         traffic.  Should the NCC become incapacitated or should the
         primary circuit fail, SNA traffic to RTP can be switched to the
         second circuit.  This disaster recovery back-up capability
         allows the regional offices to access the Agency's critical
         applications in Cincinnati when necessary.

         The NCC, Headquarters, and the disaster recovery site are
         linked through a T-1 triangle.  The T-1 circuits permit high
         speed communication among the three major computing
         nodes.

         All laboratory sites have 56 kbps access to Cincinnati. These
         circuits allow X.25 traffic to flow among the non-SNA
         platforms in the Agency.

  These  characteristics provide users with high speed connectivity among
  their terminals/workstations and remote processors. The lower cost of
  FTS2000  provides the Agency with an economically efficient network.

  The three subnetworks that comprise the EPA National Data
  Communications System are described in the following pages.
                                                                November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                                            "EPA"3 Infomutton Technology experts"
 Wide  Area  Network
    Honolulu
        Washington, DC

      • AdmiimtartiMi OftieM
        RMMrah Trltngl* Psrk, NC
        Clneinncll, OH

      A RtgioMl OHICM

      • LabonlerlM

      O »t«1» OHio»*
                                                                                  BAknora
                                                                                   -, '*•
                                                                                 Washington DC
  November 1991

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"EPA's Information Technology /Exports'
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
SNA Network
      The Agency SNA network connects the Agency's headquarters,
      Cincinnati, and regional office facilities to the NCC. FTS2000
      dedicated digital 56 kbps data circuits are used to connect IBM 3745
      and IBM 3720 communications controllers located at each site. A
      triangle of Agency-acquired T-1 circuits links RTP, Cincinnati, and
      Headquarters in Washington, DC. The T-1 triangle serves as a "super
      backbone" and facilitates an alternative route for SNA and X.25 traffic
      as well as a dedicated high speed link to Cincinnati during disaster
      recovery operation. The SNA network provides NCC mainframe
      connection services for 3270 cluster controllers, SNA Remote Job
      Entry (RJE) workstations, and PCs attached to Token Ring LANs.
                                                                November

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                                "EPA 's Information Ttchnotogy Experts"
X.25 Network
      The X.25 packet switching network connects the Agency's laboratory
      computers to the NCC. The X.25 network also connects the
      Agency's regional offices to the disaster recovery site in Cincinnati to
      provide alternative circuit routing for the regional offices.  FTS2000
      dedicated digital 56 kbps data circuits are used to connect Infotron
      X.25 packet switching equipment located at the major laboratories,
      EPA headquarters, and regional offices.  The EPA X.25 network
      provides DEC-to-DEC host communications and support for the
      Agency ASCII (dial and dedicated) terminals via Packet
      Assemblers/Disassembler (PAD) connections. The packet switching
      network has connections to the FTS2000 packet switching network
      and the international value added network services provided by BT
      Tymnet.
        1991
                                                                        Pag* 18

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
                                            Architectural Management and Planning Branch
State Network
      The Agency's state network is a natural extension of the SNA and
      X.25 networks. Depending upon the requirements of the individual
      states, the Agency provides FTS2000 dial data services or FTS2000
      analog leased line data service (16.8 kbps or less) to connect state-
      owned equipment to the EPA state network (SNA or X.25 networks).
      The Agency provides the protocol conversion service necessary to
      resolve any incompatibilities among state-supplied service and Agency
      application requirements.
          ftMMdi lti«l« Put, MC
          CkMfciMLeH   *
                                                                 DC
                                                                Novwnl

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                              "EPA'* Information Technology Experts"
 Wide Area  Network Standards

      •  U.S. ASCII asynchronous terminal communications
           -  Migrating to a single Agency approach during FY91-92
         IBM protocols supported
            -  SNA/SDLC PU.2, four 3270 terminals
            -  PU.4, PU.5, four MSNF host-to-host SNA
            -  SNA RJE and NJE
            -  SNI gateway to state and foreign SNA networks
            -  Bisynchronous RJE is being replaced by SNA
         X.25 packet switching networks, X.25 PAD functions, X.25 host
            -   Functions migrating to full OSI compliant upper level
               protocols and FIPS 146 (GOSIP)
         DECNET DNA protocols over X.25


         PRIMENET X.25 related protocols over X.25 lower levels


         TCP/IP protocols for connectivity to both IBM hosts, DEC hosts,
         and the Internet
   lovembw 1991

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
Local Area Network Standards

      •  IEEE 802.5 IBM Token Ring LAN media with upper layer protocols
         of:
           -  Novell Advanced NetWare SPX and IPX protocols
           -  IBM NETBIOS-related protocols for higher level connectivity
           -  IBM SNA (PU.2 2.1) (LU.26.2)
        IEEE 802.3 Ethernet LAN media with upper layer protocols of:
           -  DECNET-related Ethernet protocols
           -  Prime TCP/IP Ethernet protocols
     •  IEEE 802.2 media access control layer compliant protocols
        TCP/IP support for IBM mainframe and VAX cluster connection to
        the Internet

        TCP/IP support for connectivity to special function minicomputers
        and workstations
                                                               November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
"EPA's Information Technology Exports'
Regional Office LAN Connections
                              Communications Controller
                                  TIC 1  TIC 2
                                   Token Ring
                                 Interconnect Cards
                                     (TICs)
     Source
     Routing
     Bridge
Source
Routing
Bridge
                               Facility Backbone

                               IBM            Novell
                               LAN
                             Manager
                                                                Imago
                                                              Processing
                                                                 Ring
                                     Workstation
 November 1991

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectufal Management and Planning Branch
File  Transfer
         1.  IBM Mainframe-to-File Server
            •  ARBITER/POSTMAN, Micro-Mainframe Link Software
            •  3270 File Transfer
            •  Kermit

         2.  VAX-to-VAX
            •  DECNET/X.25

         3.  VAX-to-IBM
            •  SNA Gateway
            •  RJE, Distributed File Transfer, 3270 Emulation
            •  NFS (Network File System)

         4.  VAX-to-PC
            •  DECWindows
            •  VAX to PCSA  "LANWORKS"
            •  Kermit

         5.  PC-to-PC in a Token Ring LAN
            •  Novell NetWare

         6.  TCP/IP Platforms
            •  FTP  (File Transfer Protocol)
            •  SMTP (Simple  Message Transfer Protocol)
            •  NFS
                                     ARBITER
                              Micro-Mainframe Link Software
                                                                November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
"EPA'* Information Tichnohgy Experts'
Video  Teleconferencing
    Video Teleconferencing is an electronic method of establishing a face-to-
    face meeting among work groups regardless of the distance separating
    them. It uses digital circuits provided by AT&T through the FTS2000
    Network Service contract. Through a team effort between AT&T and
    NDPD, EPA established the first FTS2000 Video Teleconference network in
    the federal government on February 26 of 1990.

    C-VTS uses advanced data communications techniques to encode live,
    color video, and audio into computer data. Each end of the circuit is
    equipped with an AT&T-provided COder-DECoder (CODEC) that performs
    this function.  The encoded video and audio is routed over the same
    FTS2000 network as other voice and data connections.  At the distant
    end,  the signal is decoded into the original video picture and sound.  Any
    properly equipped EPA sites  can be connected together upon request and
    may  see and hear each other for the duration of the conference.

                                             The EPA C-VTS pilot
                                             implementation that was
                                             conducted in  FY90 included
                                             three sites - one  at EPA
                                              Headquarters in Washington,
                                              DC and two in North
                                              Carolina. Sixteen sites were
                                              implemented  during FY91
                                              and four additional sites are
                                              identified for  implementation
                                              during FY92 for  a total of 23
                                              sites.  Eight of the EPA's 10
    regional offices, several major labs, Headquarters, and the Administration
    Building in North Carolina are currently in service.  Feedback to date
    indicates that EPA  C-VTS is an effective method of conducting meetings
    and maximizing the use of employee time.
 November 1991

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  "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
 Installed Sites
     Room 3307, Waterside Mall
     Director's Conf Room, Waterside Mall
     ERC, Waterside Mall
     Fairchild Bldg, Headquarters
     Mutual Building, OAQPS
     Administration Building
     NEIC, Denver
     ERT and ORD Laboratory
     ORD Laboratory
     ORD Laboratory
     ORD Laboratory
     Region 1 Office
     Region 2 Office
     Region 3 Office
     Region 4 Office
     Region 5 Office
     Region 6 Office
     Region 7 Office
     Region 8 Office
     Region 9 Office
     Region 10 Office

Future Sites
    Judiciary Square
    ERC Laboratory
                 Washington D.C.
                 Washington D.C.
                 Washington D.C.
                 Washington D.C.
                      Durham, NC
        Research Triangle Park, NC
                      Denver, CO
                       Edison, NJ
                   Las Vegas, NV
                   Cincinnati, OH
                         Ada, OK
                      Boston, MA
                   New York, NY
                  Philadelphia, PA
                      Atlanta, GA
                      Chicago, IL
                       Dallas, TX
                 Kansas City, KA
                      Denver, CO
                San Francisco, CA
                     Seattle, WA
                 Washington D.C.
                     Bay City, Ml
                                                                             Novwtbar

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Architectural Management and Planninfl Branch	'EPA's Information Technology experts'
Section  2  - Acquisitions


Recently Completed Acquisitions
Geographic Information System (G/S) Workstations
     The GIS Computer Systems Acquisition provides a contract vehicle for
     acquiring hardware, system software, communications
     equipment/software, and utility software for the long-term
     implementation of GIS Agency-wide.  The procurement is based on
     the ability to run ARC/INFO software from ESRI, Inc. on a UNIX
     platform. Data General will be providing the GIS workstations.

DEC  Scientific Hardware/Software
     The expanding requirements for processing power in the research and
     laboratory communities prompted the acquisition of new DEC
     hardware and  software.  A contract has been awarded to Digital
     Equipment Corporation to supply the Agency with upgrades, new
     hardware, and software.  The contract is effective for five years and a
     separate maintenance contract will be effective for an additional three
     years.

SQL/RDBMS  on LANs
     The SQL/RDBMS architectural issue lead the Agency to examine and
     procure software for the  LANs. The contract to provide SQL/RDBMS
     software was recently awarded to Oracle.

In Process Acquisitions
Agency Workstations
     The Agency is conducting a competitive acquisition to provide
      workstations, LANs, associated hardware, software, and services for
     the next five years.  The current interim contract will expire in
      February of 1992 and requires the completion of this long-term
      solution to the Agency's workstation demands. The proposals have
      been technically evaluated and final offers are under review.  The
      contract award is scheduled to be made in the first quarter of FY92.
 November 1991

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  "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
 RDBMS for Scientific Computing
       Data management is of prime importance to the scientific community.
       The goal of this project is to provide the scientific users in the Agency
       with a procurement vehicle for a comprehensive database
       management system that is compatible with DEC, UNIX, and DOS
       platforms.  The system is to include a database engine and fourth
       generation language tool suite.  A requirements analysis was
       completed and the RFP was issued  in the first quarter of FY91. The
       final award for this procurement is scheduled for sometime during the
       second quarter of FY92.

 High Speed Printers
       The printing requirements of the Agency have grown significantly.  To
       meet end-user demand, procurement activities are being conducted for
       the acquisition of high speed non-impact printers to meet the
       distributed printing requirements of  the Agency. These procurement
       activities began in FY91 and RFP release is expected  in December of
       i yy i •

 High Performance Computing
      The initial steps toward the  acquisition of high performance computing
      resources are completed.  The RFP was finalized and  issued in July of
       1991.  Evaluations are currently taking place and a contract award is
      estimated for the third quarter of FY92. The first of two high
      performance computers is to be installed at a new EPA Research
      Center  in Bay City, Michigan.  The second high performance
      computing system is to be installed  at RTP, North Carolina.
International Network Access
      This project will acquire the services required to provide the Agency
      with international telecommunications resources. The Agency will
      provide computing resources to international environmental
      management efforts. Proposals are due in December of 1991.
Page

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Section  3 -  Architectural Issues
    During the last year, NDPD reviewed seven strategic architectural issues.
         LAN as a National Application Platform
         SQL/RDBMS
         Logical Mainframe Futures (LMF) and Regional Servers
         Email and Document Distribution
         Common User Interface (GUI)
         AS/400 Utilization
         Information Resources Management (IRM) Training
   An additional issue has been added this fiscal year to examine the role of
   UNIX within the Agency.

   For each of the above issues, a project team composed of representatives
   from NDPD, OIRM, and other appropriate EPA offices and regions was
   established to study the impact of each issue on the future vision of
   information resources in EPA.  Detailed workplans for each issue were then
   established so that progress could be easily tracked.

   Evaluating these strategic architectural issues has allowed the Agency to
   take a proactive approach to harnessing computing technology for the
   benefit of EPA. This review has resulted in standard guidance to assist
   regions, program offices, etc. on a variety of technical decisions. These
   standards will facilitate the management of information and reduce
   maintenance requirements for information systems. Standards are
   ultimately helpful to data integration efforts by providing a common basis
   for all Agency participants.
November 1991
                      Pag* 28

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 "EPA's Information Technology Experts'	Architectural Management and Planning Branch
LAN as a National Application Platform
      Description: The integration of PCs, LANs, and LAN file servers
      offered the Agency an alternative to the traditional host processor
      platform for application processing. However, the Agency had not
      established the criteria for discerning which applications required a
      host vs. LAN environment. The Agency studied and evaluated the
      feasibility of using LANs as platforms for supporting national
      applications.

      Findings: LANs can serve effectively as national application
      platforms.  (National applications are Agency resources that are
      mission critical, involve significant data sharing, and are widely
      utilized.)  National applications are ideal for LANs when they are
      reliable and when timely access is achieved.  Effective data
      management and application performance must be unimpaired by the
      limitations of LAN technology.

      Recommendations: National applications require an Agency-managed
      LAN utility complimentary but separate from user LANs. The
      organizational responsibilities to support LANs as national application
      platforms must be defined. National applications should be managed
      through their life cycle to support IRM objectives and information
      requirements. Management of the applications must be in accordance
      with federal and Agency IRM policy. EPA's System Design and
      Development Guidance should be updated  to incorporate LANs as
      architectural platforms. LAN  guidance must respond to changes  and
      advances in information technology.

      Initiatives/Actions:  Activity is now underway to complete the policies
      and procedures that are necessary to implement EPA's LAN
      infrastructure for national applications.

SQL/RDBMS
      Description: Two closely related areas experiencing rapid advances in
      the information systems industry are client server technologies and
      RDBMS.  SQL has become the standard method for defining and
      manipulating data in a relational database environment.  The Agency
      assessed the impact of SQL and RDBMS as maturing technologies to
      decide whether the Agency should commit resources to acquire,
      implement,  and utilize this technology.
P«g« 29                                                            November 1991

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 Architectural Management and Planning Branch
'EPA '3 Information Technology Expert*
      Findings: The relational model has significant inherent strengths that
      make it the driving force behind the current development of almost all
      database management systems.  Furthermore, SQL standardization is
      allowing vendors of relational technology to make their products
      compatible in a distributed environment that extends across all
      hardware platforms. SQL/RDBMS utilization in a networked
      environment provides organizations with significant improvements in
      decision support, workgroup productivity, performance, connectivity,
      and data integration.  Integrating environmental data using RDBMS
      technology should allow managers, planners, scientists, and users to
      incorporate previously inaccessible data into their analyses. RDBMS
      technology will also enable a distributed  data model for the Agency.

      Recommendations: SQL/RDBMS technology should be implemented
      on three independent platforms in the Agency. The platforms include
      the mainframe, the Novell LAN file servers, and the scientific
      processing platform. In order to strengthen competition, the
      selections should be related but not dependent.

      Initiatives/Actions: The IBM software product DB 2 is being
      implemented on the EPA mainframes and will fully support RDBMS
      applications in FY93.  A competitive procurement was completed  for
      the Novell file servers.  Oracle was selected and  implementation
      planning has  begun.  A competitive procurement for RDBMS on the
      scientific platform is in progress.

LMF Futures  and Regional  Servers
      Description:  The  IBM 4381 minicomputers or  LMFs in each EPA
      region did not reach high utilization levels because of the advent of
      PCs and PC LANs. As a result, the LMFs were targeted for removal.
      With the exception of VAX minicomputers and the proposed AS/400
      computers for image processing, the Agency has backed away from
      the use of minicomputers. The goal  of this study was to examine the
      role of minicomputers in the Agency's future computing architecture.

      Findings: There is continuing regional interest  in  local processing and
      the number of national and mission critical applications running in the
      regions is likely to increase in the future.  The primary technical
      consideration was the replacement equipment for the LMF. The major
      choices were LAN servers or the AS/400, both of which are being
      evaluated separately as strategic architectural issues 1 and 6
      respectively.
                                                                     Pag* 30

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
      Recommendations:  The long-term future of the Agency would be
      better served by a transition from the LMF technology to LAN servers
      in the regional offices.

      Initiatives/Actions:  The applications that were resident on the LMFs
      were transferred to  the Agency's mainframe or the regional LANs.
      The regional LANs were strengthened with  additional hardware and
      software. The LMFs have been removed. The initiative is now
      operational.

Email and Document Distribution
      Description:  Since  1983, EPA has provided computer-based
      messaging to its employees, affiliates, and  contractors. This
      messaging, known as Email, uses a centralized mail architecture.
      Regardless of destination, all messages are routed through the central
      mail service.  The major advantages of this central architecture are the
      reliability of its message delivery, the ease of message addressing, the
      overall ease of system management, and the maintenance of the mail
      directory. The Agency evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of
      this architecture as  services expanded to include more document
      distribution and heavier utilization of premium services, such as
      access to the Commerce Business Daily (CBD).

      Findings: Email is critical to the Agency's business and ease of use is
      vital to everyone. The cost for providing Email through an outside
      service is expected  to increase significantly, but the Agency can meet
      its Email requirements and reduce Email costs through an in-house
      solution.  With the growth of  LANs and the availability of LAN
      software, use of LAN-based Email systems is inevitable;  however,
      current LAN systems alone cannot adequately support the Agency's
      Email requirements.

      Recommendations:  A three-phase approach is recommended for
      improving Email.  By March of 1992, Phase 1 should maintain the
      centralized system architecture, replace purchased Dialcom service
      with DEC's ALL-IN-1 installed on Agency equipment, and build a
      foundation for inter-system messaging. By FY92/93, Phase 2 should
      integrate IBM 3270-based Email software, select Agency LAN Email
      software, provide acquisition vehicles, resolve and test X.400
      capability with LANs, and gradually integrate LAN users with ALL-IN-
      1.  Phase 3 should  support user movement to  LAN-based Email
      systems.
Page 31                                                            November 1991

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Architectural Management and Planning Branch                "EPA's Information Technology Exports*
      Initiatives/Actions: The conversion of Email from Dialcom to DEC's
      ALL-IN-1 occurred in August of 1991 and training has been provided
      for users. Work on Phases 2 and 3 is now being performed. The
      emphasis is being placed on the integration of LANs into the Email
      architecture.

Common  User Interface
      Description: Currently, the Agency develops applications for a variety
      of processing platforms and terminals.  Each combination of platform
      and terminal presents a different interface to the user. The
      information systems industry is changing and developing GUI
      standards that cross platforms and hardware types.  The Agency
      evaluated the emerging standards to determine which ones should be
      adopted and how  many standards would be supported, as well as to
      identify standards for such items as function keys, menus, and help
      screens.

      Findings: A GUI will significantly reduce the  learning curve for new
      users of applications. There are two primary GUI standards - the
      Apple Corporation standard and the portion of IBM's Systems
      Application Architecture (SAA) that deals with common user access.
      The Apple Corporation standard is proprietary, but IBM SAA's open
      standard is available to all vendors.

      Recommendations: The Agency should prepare to adopt GUI
      standards to provide guidelines to developers and programmers of
      EPA applications.  The guidelines should define a standard layout for
      both text and graphics interfaces.  These guidelines should provide
      the basis for a common user interface and common user actions that
      will  produce the benefits attributable to these standards.

      Initiatives/Actions: A detailed review of GUI  both inside and outside
      EPA has been completed. The Agency is in the  process of fully
      adopting the standard.

AS/400 Utilization
      Description: With the award of the image processing contract, there
      was a potential for an infusion of IBM  AS/400 systems into the EPA.
      Given the possibility that these systems might have more capacity
      than would be required for image processing, EPA initiated (1) an
      examination of the IBM AS/400's role in EPA's computing
      architecture, (2) an analysis of directions for  the integration of image
      and non-image applications, and (3) the development policies for

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"                 Architectural Management and Planning Branch
      AS/400 usage within EPA.  Issues identified as relevant to these three
      strategic issues were researched and a consensus was built among
      project team members.

      Findings: While the IBM AS/400 has served adequately as the
      introductory platform for EPA's imaging program, several factors
      identified in the research reduced the attractiveness of the IBM
      AS/400 as the sole long-term image processing platform for EPA.
      With the recent emergence of PC LAN-based imaging systems, there
      is little continuing justification to use a different hardware architecture
      solely to support imaging.

      Recommendations:  In view of the preliminary research results, the
      AS/400 will probably not be a significant component of the EPA
      architecture outside image processing.

      Initiatives/Actions: The issue has been completed and the AS/400 is
      being used to support image processing.

IRM Training
      Description: As the Agency continues to expend enormous resources
      to acquire or enhance its computing architecture, it must also find
      ways to  maintain the dynamism of an aging workforce and to
      improve the educational preparation of all workers.  To address these
      needs, the Agency examined the environments of EPA and the most
      promising technological tools and methods that would create the
      training system capabilities needed for the  future.

      Findings: To meet future employee skill and information needs,
      training will  have to be available on demand at any site for multiple
      purposes and audiences.  This will require centralized planning and
      centralized  delivery.  It must demonstrate a measurable impact on job
      performance while controlling costs. The majority of training should
      be delivered at the worksite, embedded in  systems with individualized
      help and training sessions.  The amount of formal classroom training
      will be reduced and selected specifically for programs such as the
      introduction of major new  automated systems. It will become more
      efficient to bring the training to the students by means of distance
      learning technology either  at workstations  or at centralized training
      facilities.
Page 33
                                                                   NovwnDer laal

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 Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                                  •EPA's Information Technology Experts'
       Recommendations: The EPA should develop embedded training in
       major information systems in order to increase training at the
       workstation levels.  EPA must place a high priority on establishing
       guidelines for new training technologies and employee training
       methodologies, as well as  expanding training staff skills to exploit the
       power of individualized, interactive media. EPA should look to a
       centrally managed system of career-long tracking for employee
       development and a comprehensive evaluation monitoring system that
       will link training effectiveness and job performance. To fully
       implement an integrated training system, EPA should consider a
       reassessment of the role of training and the level of advocacy within
      the organization and, most important, the creation of a commission to
      oversee the various initiatives that will be required.

      Initiatives/Actions: The Agency's senior management is in the
      process of reviewing the recommendations and making an
      implementation selection.
UNIX
      Description:  EPA has accepted the UNIX operating system as a step
      toward vendor independence in its procurement process.  This
      architecture issue, which began in FY92, will address the major issues
      involved in the Agency's implementation of UNIX.

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"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
                                         Architectural Management and Planninfl Branch
Section  4 -  AMPB and  the IT AS  Contract
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
   The Architectural Management and Planning Branch (AMPB) of the National
   Data Processing Division (NDPD) is the agent of change in the information
   technology environment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
   AMPB works closely with the Office of Information Resources Management
   (OIRM) at Headquarters, information system managers in program offices,
   regional offices, and laboratories to identify needs and develop new
   architectures on which the Agency's data systems are implemented. Key
   functions performed by AMPB include:

      •  Planning for Agency-wide computers, software, and
         telecommunications resources

      •  Determining the Agency's communications system needs

      •  Performing technology assessments and assisting Agency IRM
         management in establishing architectural standards

       • Conducting Agency-wide needs analysis for information technology
         systems

       • Conducting Agency-wide acquisitions of information technology
         resources

       • Supporting NDPD in the management and modernization of
         information technology platforms and networks that are operated or
         supported by NDPD

       •  Assisting OIRM in generating system development guidelines,
          specifically the platform selection guidelines for national data
          systems

     The organization chart on the next page identifies the specific roles of the
     technology managers in AMPB.  In addition to these government
     employees, AMPB uses the resources of the ITAS contract with Viar &
     Company, Inc. and the Program Support contract with UNISYS to
     accomplish its mission.

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 Architectural Management and Planning Branch
                                                                "EPA's Information Technology Exptrts'
 AMPB Organization
       (919)541-2931
        Zeugner.Jody
      Client/Server and
           UNIX
       (919)541-3584
       Hinds.Timothy
     Carolyn Chambtee

     Microcomputers and
     Local Area Networks
       (919)541-2553
     Cham Wee. Carolyn
      George LaForest

   Acquisitions and EMAP

      (919)541-7905
      LaForest George
                                             Branch Chief
                                            (919)541-2538
                                              Harris.Ted
Environmental Protection Agency
Architectural Mangement and Planning Branch
Mail Drop MD-34
Research Triangle Park,  NC 27711
FAX (919) 541-1191
                                                                               Becky Patrick
                                                                              Branch Secretary
                                                                              (919) 541-4470
                                                                              Patrick-Rebecca
      (919)541-2740
       Woriey.Don
      (919)541-2641
       Harris.Wade
      John Gibson
High Performance Computing
   and Capacity Planning
     (919)541-0112
      Gtoson.John
     (919)541-1057
     Clemmer.Tom
                                                                                 revised July 1992

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•EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Architectural Management and Planning Branch
Information Technology Architecture Support  Contract
   The Agency has contracted with the ITAS contract team (Viar & Company,
   Inc., Technology Planning and Management Corporation (TPMC), and MNG
   and Keane, Inc.) to provide professional service. These services are
   acquired under the technical direction of the NDPD's AMPB.

   The ITAS contract team provides Agency-wide support in performing the
   following.

         Management requirements and feasibility studies
         Systems design
         Systems evaluation
         Architectural strategy and planning
         Acquisition support
         Telecommunications network planning and design
           - Data networks (WAN and LAN)
           - Voice networks
           - Videoconferencing systems
       • Capacity planning and performance management
       • ADP resource management support
       • Telecommunications resource management

    In addition, the contract provides for the acquisition of national experts in
    several information technology areas (e.g., database management systems,
    optical  disk technology, voice/data communications, distributed processing,
    CASE tools, etc.). The ITAS  contract permits limited acquisition of
    hardware and software to perform technology assessments, pilot
    evaluation programs, and prototype development.

    Ted Harris, AMPB Chief, acts as the contract project officer and performs
    technical and administrative management for the contract.

    This document will be updated on a periodic basis as architectural
    strategies evolve and are approved by our IRM managers. Your comments
    on this document are appreciated.  Please direct them to Ted Harris (FTS
    629-2538 or Email ID: Harris.Ted).

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