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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
      INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
            ARCHITECTURE

                October 1989
              PRESENTED BY
        ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
            & PLANNING BRANCH
  CD
  C.
     NATIONAL DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
           Research Triangle Park, NC
A
   'PA/AMPB        "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
               HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY   ^
               ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
               WASHINGTON, O.C. 20460

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                                           INE
      This document provides an overview of EPA's current information technology
      architecture, its underlying principles and future enhancement strategies. The
      objective of this document is to promote an understanding of EPA's information
      technology architecture for those involved in planning, implementing, and using
      the Agency's information resources.

      The first section, EPA's Current Architecture, describes the Agency's computing
      platforms, the key software tools provided on each platform, and the data
      communication architectures linking the  platforms. The second section. Trends
      ami Directions in Architecture, provides an overview of the planning and
      procurement initiatives which will effect the computing architecture in the future.
         PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 1

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                    OUTLINE

   I. EPA's Current Architecture
      • Computing Platforms

      • Software

      • Data Communications
          - Wide Area Network
          - Local Area Network

   II. Trends and Directions in Architecture

      • Procurements

      * High Performance Scientific Computing

      • Telecommunications Planning for the 1990's
A
   EPA/AMPB          "EPA'sInformation Technology Experts'
                                                 Page 2

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                          PRINCIPLES OF
          ARCHITECTURE DE
                      PMENT
      The initial objectives of the Agency's information technology architecture were
      developed by EPA Information Resource Management in 1984 as part of a
      modernization plan.  Since initial development, these objectives have been periodically
      updated by EPA's Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) and National
      Data Processing Division (NDPD). The fundamental objective of a multi-user.multi-
      platform, Agency-wide architecture, however, has remained the comer stone of the
      Agency's information technology development strategy.
      Key decisions by Agency management include the implementation of a large IBM/MVS
      platform for supporting national production applications and databases at the National
      Computer Center (NCC) in Research Triangle Park, NC (RTP) and a small IBM/MVS
      platform for applications and databases supported by the Regional Offices.  The DEC
      VAX/VMS platform and its successors were chosen as the primary resource to support
      the computing and data storage needs of the Research and Laboratory community
      throughout the agency.

      The MS-DOS operating system was chosen as the Agency's end-user personal
      computing environment in 1983.  Personal computers may operate as stand-alone
      machines or as part of a local area network. In addition to the MS-DOS compatible
      personal computers, the Apple Macintosh system was adopted to serve the desktop
      publishing and executive workstation needs of the Agency.

      EPA complies with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and other national
      standards established by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)
      and other standards organizations. To this end, EPA selected SNA as the
      telecommunication architecture for linking IBM compatible hosts  at Research Triangle
      Park, the Regional Offices, and Cincinnati, as well as for providing terminal access to
      the hosts. The VAX hosts are linked via DECNET/X.25 architecture, whereas
      PRIMENET/X.25 links PRIME hosts.  X.25 is the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI)
      protocol. ASCII interactive terminals access the IBM hosts at RTP through the X.25
      protocol.

      NIST has established the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP),
      the federal standard for wide area networks, to promote interoperability (the ability to
      transfer files, messages, and transactions) across heterogeneous vendor specific
      computing platforms. EPA is developing plans to implement this standard in all of its
      major computing platforms.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 3

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                  PRINCIPLES OF
       ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPMENT
      Provide functions and capabilities required by
      "Corporate-User" and "End-User"

      Maintain consistency with mainstream Hardware/
      Software Platforms

        - IBM/MVS and its successors as a platform for national
          production applications
        - DEC VAX/VMS for laboratory applications
        - MS-DOS for desktop computing
        - Macintosh for desktop publishing

      Comply with Federal Information Processing
      Standards (FIPS) and follow de facto standards to
      promote interoperability

        • SNA for IBM compatible wide area networks
        - X.25 for connecting IBM, VAX, and other vendor
          processors
        - GOSIP when available
^
                         "EPA's Information Technology Experts "
                                                    Page 4

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       EPA COMPUTING  ARCHITECTURE
     There are three levels, or "tiers" of computing and networking technology that
     comprise EPA's computing architecture.

     The first tier, the national platform, provides agency-wide common computing
     and messaging systems.

     Tier two comouting resources fulfill the needs of the individual sites such as the
     Regional Offices, Laboratories, and Headquarters.

     Third tier resources provide the most personal level of computing resources with
     desktop computing and local area networks in individual departments.
       PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
Page 5

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     EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECTI
   Three Tiers:
         National Platform
         Regional Office, Laboratory, Washington D.C.
         Headquarters, and Cincinnati Lab (disaster
         recovery site) Platform
         Departmental and Desktop Systems Platform
^jfEPA/AMPB
"EPA rs Information Technology Experts'
                                               Page 6

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      EPA
The first tier of the computing architecture consists of the IBM 3090 mainframes and DEC VAX
Clusters at the National Computer Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The third
member of this tier is the Agency Electronic Mail system provided by Dialcom, in
Washington, D.C. This tier provides computing and messaging services to all EPA authorized
users including Agency employees, contractors, state environmental agencies, other federal
agencies, and Interagency Agreement users.

Multiple IBM 3090s host nation-wide applications and databases and serve as application
development resources. The VAX cluster serves the needs of the multi-lab complex in RTP
and Office of Research and Development (ORD) laboratories throughout the country.

Second tier resources include IBM 4361 Logical Mainframes (LMFs), DEC VAX computers, and
a single IBM 3090-180E. Logical Mainframes are installed at EPA's Regional Offices and
Headquarters. The LMF at Headquarters primarily serves as a communications and print
server for the local user community. The LMFs located in the Regional Offices support local
administrative, program, and communication needs.  Cincinnati was chosen by NDPD to serve
as the Agency's disaster recovery site for critical applications currently operating on the RTP
IBM hosts. During the first quarter of FY90. the LMF in Cincinnati will be upgraded to a 3090-
180E running the MVS/XA operating system.

EPA Laboratories use large DEC VAX computers (e.g. 78x, 63x0,86x0) to host local scientific
and laboratory management information systems.

The third tier consists of a variety of computing and terminal devices to serve end-user or
departmental computing needs. The upper part of this tier consists of MicroVAX systems,
special purpose minicomputers, terminal concentration devices (e.g. ASCII terminal server, IBM
3274 cluster controller), and personal computers which act as file servers.

Examples of special purpose minicomputers at this tier include Laboratory Information
Management System (UMS) computers, Geographic Information System (QIS) computers, and
Image Processing System (IPS) computers.

The second part of the third tier consists of MS/DOS compatible  PCs connected via Token Ring
local area networks (LANs) PCs, MACs, and ASCII terminals connected via Ethernet to a
MicroVAX, and IBM 3178-compatible full screen terminals as well as traditional ASCII/
Asynchronous terminals. Increasing numbers of PCs in program offices and administrative
groups are connected in a Token Ring network and have gateways to SNA and ASCII network
hosts,  in a typical lab environment PCs and terminals are linked via Ethernet to a local
MicroVAX or VAX host which in turn links to the wide area network (WAN).
      PA/AMPB
?&A's Information Technology Experts"

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      EPA COMPUTING  ARCH
                 IBM
                3090-s
                MVS/XA
               FROOUCTION
               DATABASES
    RTF
    VAX
  CLUSTER
    VMS
E-MAIL
HOST
                 OMLCOM
                             COMPUTWO
                 E4UUL
                SERVICES
                         NATIONAL SERVICES
                 LMF
                 IBM
                 4381
                MVS/SP
                               VAX
   VMS
                  IBM
                3090-180E
MVS/XA
                           LABSrTES
             CINCINNATI
                                      IBM 3174
                                      CLUSTER
                                     CONTROLLER
HQpEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                                           Page 8

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        EPA SOFTW
      The Agency has selected standard software tools for each of the computing
      platforms to facilitate application development, database management,
      transaction processing, statistical analysis, graphics development, and end-user
      computing. Included are standard word processing and spreadsheet application
      tools for desktop workstations.

      The IBM host environment supports over 650 simultaneous TSO/I8PF users for
      application development, CICS for transaction processing, ADABAS/NATURAL
      for national database applications, and VSAM for file-oriented application
      systems.  FOCUS, a fourth generation language (4GL) and Data Base
      Management System (DBMS), is provided as a tool for end user computing and
      small/simple applications.  SAS is the agency standard software for statistical
      analysis and file management.  SASGRAF and TELL-A-GRAPH are provided for
      graphics development and production.

      The VAX Cluster at RTP provides FOCUS, SAS, SASGRAPH, and a FORTRAN
      Compiler for application development, database management, statistical analysis
      and graphics development.

      The Agency Electronic Mail host (a PRIME minicomputer) at Dialcom provides
      software for agency-wide electronic messaging and other applications, including
      bulletin boards and Official Airline Guide (OAG) service.

      IMF software is a subset of software available on the national IBM 3090 hosts
      and includes FOCUS (4GL/DBMS) for local database applications, the VS
      FORTRAN language for local applications, and TSO/ISPF as an environment for
      on-line application development. Major software portfolio elements on VAX
      systems include FOCUS and FORTRAN.

      Token Ring LAN servers can be configured to run PC FOCUS, PC SAS, and
      dBase as tools for developing departmental applications. Desktop computers
      typically include a word processing package (WordPerfect or Wordstar),
      Lotus 1-2-3, CrossTalk XVI, and dBase. MicroVAXs usually offer only
      FORTRAN.

      ft must be  noted that FOCUS (4GL/DBMS) and SAS are available on all IBM/
      VAX platforms at tiers 1 and 2; PC FOCUS (a subset of FOCUS) and PC SAS
      are available in the personal computer environment to promote application
      portability and common end-user tools across tiers.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts"
Page 9

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EPA SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE
        3000S
 DECMXX
      MVS/XA
 VMS
                             E-MAIL /PRIME
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                             MVS/SP
   LAN SERVER
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PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                          Page W

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     EPA
HITECTURE
                     "£PA's Information Technology Experts"
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              EPA
ITiNG  ARCHITECTURE
            The National Computer Center located In RTF, NC, includes the agency's tier 1
            as well as tier 3 resources supporting local program office needs. EPA
            headquarters in Washington D.C. includes tier 2 and 3 resources to support
            administrative and program office needs. Cincinnati, OH, serves as the agency's
            disaster recovery site and includes many of the same resources as the National
            Computer Center. The Agency's Regional Offices include Logical Mainframes
            and Token Ring LANs. EPA labs use DEC VAX systems and Ethernet LANs.
              PA/AMPB
    "EPA ^Information Technology Experts'
       Page 13
L

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EPA COMPUTING  ARCHITECTURE
                            Disaster Recovery Site
    Washington Info. Center
           EPA Cincinnati Lab
PA/AMPB
                National Computer Center
                                Token
                                Ring
                       JiiS.
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                            Page 14

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      EPA COMPUTING  ARCHITECT!
    Agency resources are distributed throughout the country. This diagram depicts
    the location and relative computing capacity of EPA's nation-wide resources.
      PA/AMPB
'EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 15

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           EPA DATA
                         ARCHITECTURE
      EPA's data communications network serves over 12,000 users in EPA, state
      environmental agencies, other federal agencies, and commercial enterprises. An
      additional 4,000 Email users are also supported. To facilitate communication
      between these diverse organizations, the network supports interactive terminal
      access to all tier 1 and 2 platforms for ASCII terminals, IBM 3178 compatible
      terminals, and personal computers.  The network includes switching,
      concentration and protocol conversion devices, front end processors, and X.25
      PADS. The SNA network architecture facilitates access to ali IBM platforms at
      tiers 1 and 2 for ASCII and IBM 3178 compatible terminals. In addition, state
      IBM hosts are linked to EPA'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 not
      currently available.

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

      ARBITER software on IBM hosts facilitate micro-to-mainframe file transfer using
      ASCII or SNA protocols. ARBITER also allows personal computers to use the
      mainframe as a remote disk.
                                  "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 17

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     EPA DATA  COMMUNICATIONS
              ARCHITECTURE
             TJER1
TIER 2
TIERS
    EPA'S
   NATIONAL
    DATA
COMMUNICATIONS
   SYSTEM
     WC K
                      TIERS
        tocs/caWe connection
        nstwoik cofwdioti
   PA/AMPB
  "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                            Page 18

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If
           TIONAL P.
          MM
:ATION
                               SYSTEM
      The network provides access to 12,000 users throughout the continental US,
      Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The physical network consists of a backbone
      network, a dedicated Tymnet network, and the Tymnet Public Data network.

      The backbone network links major EPA offices or points of presence (i.e.
      Regional Offices, HQ, RTF, Cincinnati, LasVegas) via 56kbps digital circuits
      and/or multiple analog circuits using 16.8kbps modems. The backbone includes
      three T-1 (1.544mbps) circuits and multiple 56kbps circuits between  RTP, NC,
      and Washington, D.C. Some laboratories, state environmental agencies, and
      large contractor facilities are  linked to the backbone at major EPA offices using
      analog tail circuits.

      In 1986 EPA awarded a contract to Tymnet to provide a private packet switching
      network to link secondary sites. Tymnet, Inc. has built a dedicated network for
      EPA with versatile processors and circuits. Management and implementation
      services are provided by Tymnet for each location. The network services Tymnet
      provides enable several labs and a majority of the state environmental offices to
      connect to EPA's computing platforms with a wide variety of computers. Multiple
      interfaces are supported (ASCII, Bisynch 3270, SDLC 3270, SNA, Bisynch RJE,
      and X.25) and protocol conversion is performed as required by Tymnet
      processors.

      Tymnet also provides dialup WATS access for interactive and Remote Job Entry
      (RJE) access for low volume users.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Page 19

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  DATA
IICATIQN ARCHITECTI
 TIVITY  OPTIONS
     EPA's data network offers multiple connectivity options to meet a variety of user
     needs.

     •  IBM 3178 compatible terminal device access to IBM. VAX and E-Mail hosts.
           An IBM 3178 compatible terminal can access an LMF or IBM 3090 at
           NCC via the SNA network. The IBM 3090 offers "reverse protocol
           conversion" software {SIMWARE) which converts IBM 3178
           datastream to ASCII protocol and facilitates access to VAX and E-Mail
           hosts that support only ASCII terminal devices. Sites with IBM 3178
           compatible terminals are connected to Telex 3174 Cluster Controllers
           configured with "reverse protocol conversion" firmware which permits
           access to VAX hosts and the E-Mail service via the network.

     •  ASCII Terminal device access to IBM Hosts.
           ASCII terminals have three options to access IBM hosts.  ASCII
           terminals can access a local or NCC protocol converter device or 3274
           emulation device (PRIME/SNA or DEC/SNA gateway) and appear to
           IBM hosts as a 3178 SNA terminal.  ASCII terminals may also use the
           X.25 PAD and switch at NCC to access IBM hosts via the NPSI
           software in the communications (front end) processor at RTF.  ASCII
           terminals connected to Tymnet engines can also use a 3270 protocol
           conversion feature to access IBM Mainframes.  PCs connected in a
           Token Ring LAN can use an SNA gateway to access IBM Mainframes
           (see page 36).

     *  ASCII Terminal Access to E-Mail Hosts.
           Three options are provided for ASCII/Asynchronous terminal access to
           the E-Mail host at Diateom (a PRIME minicomputer), if the terminal is
           linked to a local PRIME minicomputer in a Regional Office, the
           backbone network provides a PRIME NET/X.25 link to Diateom via the
           National Computer Center.  Headquarters has its own local link to
           Diateom and does not pass through NCC. Users not connected to
           dedicated networks (backbone and Tymnet private network) can use
           Tymnet public data network to access the E-Mail host.
Page 21
        PA/AMPB
    "EPA's Information Technology Experts'

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 DATA
 )MMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE
       IECT1VITY  OPTIONS
    I. Universal terminal access to tier I and tier I! hosts

          A. IBM 3178 TERMINAL
                                     VAX OR OTHER
                                     ASCII HOST
                                     (E-MAIL PRIME)
TERMINAL
                  CLUSTER
                  COR ROLLER
          B. ASCII TERMINAL OR PC/MAC WITH
           TERMINAL EMULATION ACCESS
           WORKSTATION
                                    WORKSTATION
jQfEPA/AMPB
            "EPA'sInformation Technology Experts"
                                                 Page 22

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 DATA
 >MMUNH
iONNECTIVI
ARCHI
  Tl
       ASCII Terminal Access to the RTP VAX Cluster.
         A terminal (or a personal computer emulating an ASCII terminal)
         connected to a local VAX could access the VAX Cluster at NCC/RTP
         using the backbone or Tymnet network, as shown in the diagram. A
         terminal not connected to a local host can dial-up the Tymnet public
         data network or WATS facility to access the VAX cluster at RTP.
jQfEPA/AMPB
            "ERA'S Information Technology Experts"
Page 23

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DATA
    iMMUNICATIQN ARCHITE'
   CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
                       l^ NETWORK  ^J
EPA X.25
NETWORK
 DESKTOP
WORKSTATION
     DESKTOP
    WORKSTATION
                                DESKTOP
                               WORKSTATION
 A
jQpEPA/AMPB
              "EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
                                          Page 24

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                     NICATIQN ARCHITI

            CONNECTIVITY  OPTIONS

    The Agency has provided tools in the data communications architecture to
    facilitate file transfer across various platforms. This is a list of the tools used in
    file transfer between local platforms such as LANs and remote platforms via the
    wide area network.
     EPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Page 25

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DATA COMMUNICATION ARCHITECT!

          CONNECTIVITY  OPTIONS

   II.   Host-Host File Transfer


       1A. IBM 3090 - IBM LMF
          • SNA, Bulk Data Transfer Feature, NJE

       1B. IBM 3090, IBM LMF - IBM PC
          • ARBITER, Micro-Mainframe Link Software
          • 3270 File Transfer

       2.   VAX-VAX
          • DECnet/X.25

       3.   VAX - IBM
          • SNA Gateway
          • Network Job Entry, Distributed File Transfer,
            3270  Emulation

       4.   VAX - IBM PC
          • VMS Services for MS-DOS over Ethernet

       5.   PC-PC in a LAN
          • IBM Token Ring/Novell Netware

       6.   Mac-Mac in a LAN
          • Appletalk/TOPS

       7.   Mac - PC In a LAN
          • Flashcard/TOPS
   EPA/AMPB         "EPA'sInformation Technology Experts'
                                                 Page 26

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Page 27
          NETWORK STANDARD!
                   'EPA's Information Technology Experts"

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              NETWORK STANDARDS
    Wide Area Network (WANl

      •  US ASCI I asynchronous terminal communications
         (7-bit even parity and 8-bit no parity; dial-up and hardwired;
         300-19,200 baud rates)

      •  IBM protocols supported:

             - SNA/SDLC-PU type 2,3270 terminals;
               PU type 4/5, MSNF "host to host" SNA;
               SNA RJE and NJE

             - Bisynchronous Remote Job Entry protocols Including
               2780,3780, and HASP multileaving workstation systems

      •  X.25 packet switching networks, X.25 PAD functions, X.25 host
         functions, migrating to full OSI-compliant upper level protocols
         andFIPS146(GOSIP)

      •  DECnet DNA protocols, over X.25 and DDCMP lower layers

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

      •  Perkin Elmer Concurrent Minicomputer X.25 related protocols
         over lower X.25 layers

      •  BITNET protocols and connectivity to both IBM and DEC hosts
jggfEPA/AMPB           "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
^^                                	                        y
                                                         Page 28

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         NETWORK STANDARDS
 A
jQfEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Page 29

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         NETWORK STANDARDS
Local Area Network fLANh
  • 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 of IBM 3270 ring-attached cluster controllers
  • IEEE 802.3 Ethernet LAN media with upper layer protocols of:
         -  DECNET related Ethernet protocols
         -  PRIMENET related Ethernet protocols
         -  Other TCP/IP connectivity to Agency supercomputers and
           GIS LAN-based workstations
  • IEEE 802.2 media access control layer - compliant protocols
  • APPLETALK LAN media with upper layer protocols of:
         -  TOPS
  PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                                     Page 30

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      PERI
AGENCY STANDARD
NAL COMPUTER PACKA(
     Agency standard packages include: PC/MS-DOS and Apple's FINDER or
     MultiFINDER as operating systems (OS/2 will be added soon), 1-2-3 as a
     calculation and spreadsheet application, dBase IV as a database application,
     Crosstalk XVI for communications, DCA-compatible software for word processing
     requirements, and Novell and TOPS as network operating systems.

     The Agency has an upgrade policy with respect to new versions of EPA standard
     PC packages. The policy requires that the Agency stay current with the latest
     releases of standard software wherever possible. New releases of standard
     software, therefore, will be examined and implemented into Agency contracts for
     new orders, and a mechanism will be provided to upgrade the installed base of
     software. This policy does not require that all users upgrade all the installed
     base of software, but users are encouraged to do so.
      EPA/AMPB
             "EM'S Information Technology Experts'
Page 31

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             AGENCY STANDARD

    PERSONAL COMPUTER PACKAGES

     Operating Systems
          • PC/MS DOS (OS/2 to be added)
          • Apple's FINDER (Multifinder)

     Spreadsheets
          • 1-2-3

     Databases
          • dBase IV

     Communications
          • Crosstalk XVI

     Word Processing
          • Any DCA-compatible package such as WordPerfect,
            WordStar, Multimate, etc.

     Network Operating Systems
          • Novell Netware (for MS-DOS Workstations pn an IBM
             Token Ring LAN)
          • TOPS (for MAC-MAC and MAC-PC networking)
 A
JjjfEPA/AMPB
'EPA's Information Technology Experts'
                                              Page 32

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                                •CTIVITY OPTIONS
     This diagram illustrates the architecture for linking multiple Token Ring LANs in
     an establishment (facility). Typically, each department or user group will control
     its own LAN. They may, however, need to access other LANs in the same
     establishment to share printing devices, communications gateways, large file
     storage devices, or common working files. Two options for such connectivity are
     available.

     Typically a backbone ring will be built for the facility to provide inter-LAN
     connectivity. In the first option, internal bridge software is implemented in the
     NOVELL /Netware file server of the user LAN, which, in turn, is linked to the
     backbone. The second option uses a dedicated PC with bridge software
     connected to the backbone and user LAN.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
Page 33

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        LAN CONNECTIVITY
    Intra-Facility Connectivity between Token Ring LANS


           • Using Internal Bridge

           • Using External Bridge
 m*m
m
EPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
J
                                                 Page 34

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(f
            LAN CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
     This diagram illustrates the options to link a Token Ring LAN to an ASCII or IBM
     hosts (e.g. IBM LMFs, the mainframe, and the DEC VAXes).

     Connection to an ASCII host from a LAN is supported by an Asynchronous
     Communication Service (ACS) gateway PC residing on the LAN. The gateway
     PC can allow as many as 128 connections depending on its configuration.

     LAN connection to an IBM host can be achieved through several networking
     methods. Each method has the following two basic requirements: the PCs on
     the LAN which need to access the host must be running 3270 workstation
     software, and a PC on the LAN must function as a dedicated SNA gateway. The
     first method of connection uses the IBM 37x5 front end processor. The front end
     processor is equiped with a Token Ring Interface Card (TIC) which enables a
     Token Ring/SNA connection.  The second method uses a TIC equipped cluster
     controller which may be channel attached directly to the IBM host or network
     linked to a front end processor.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts1
Page 35

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                 iNNECTIVITY OPTIONS
 3270 or ASCII
WORKSTA'
 SOFTWARE
                                           ASYNCH/ASCII
                                             HOSTS
                                           DIAL-IN/OUT
                                            MODEMS
                         DEDICATED SNA
                           GATEWAY
TOKEN RING
   LAN
                               IBM 3090
                                  OR
                               4381 IMF
                      TOKEN RING
                      INTERFACE
                     COUPLER (TIC)
                                   CLUSTER
                                  CONTROLLER
                         CLUSTER
                        CONTROLLER
                                  DEDICATED SNA
                                    GATEWAY
      DEDICATED SNA
        GATEWAY
                                            TOKEN
                                             RING
                                             UN
                TOKEN
                 RING
                 LAN
                         3270 WORKSTATION
                           SOFTWARE
                             3270 WORKSTATION
                               SOFTWARE
Token Ring LAN to Host Connectivity (Gateway)
Options

         • ACS Gateway to ASCII Hosts and Dial-In/Out Modems

         • SNA Workstation Software

         • Dedicated SDLC/SNA Gateway
                        "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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                                   ARCHITECTURE
      There are five major procurement actions being implemented by the Architectural
      Management and Planning Branch (AMPB) that will impact the capacity and
      architecture of the computing platforms in the agency.

      IBM platforms (NCC IBM 3090 and LMFs) can now be upgraded to larger
      capacity systems. Since a multi-year mainframe contract was awarded in June
      1989, EPA has replaced Its IBM 3090-400E and 3090-300E computers with two
      IBM 3090*6003 systems.  EPA also plans to replace the IBM 4381 LMF in
      Cincinnati, OH, with an IBM 3090-180E system in the first quarter of FY90.

      A procurement to modernize VAX computers at NCC and ORD Laboratories is
      progressing. Contract award is anticipated before the close of FY90.

      AMPB has developed specifications for the acquisition of workstations. The
      procurement includes Intel 80386 based  processors which will support the OS/2
      operating system, as well as a variety of  peripheral devices, application software,
      and LAN hardware and software.

      AMPB is evaluating  proposals for agency-wide image processing platforms to
      support a variety of applications for Program, Administrative, and Regional
      Offices. The Superfund Transaction Automation Retrieval System (STARS) will
      be implemented on this platform. A contract award is expected in the first quarter
      ofFY90.

      In addition, the agency is developing specifications for implementing Geographic
      Information  Systems (GIS) on a modern architecture. GIS applications such as
      IPS will support environmental management and data integration functions in
      each of the Agency's programs at Headquarters and Regional Offices.  It is
      anticipated that a system of high performance workstations, connected via local
      area networks to powerful file servers, will meet the computational, graphical,
      and data-storage requirements.  Contract award is anticipated in FY90.
        PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
Page 37

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          TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE

    A. Procurements
        • Multi-Year Mainframes Acquisition
             - Provides Additional Capacity for Tier I and Tier II
              IBM-Compatible Hosts.
        • Scientific Computing Equipment Acquisition
             - Provides for Agency-wide VAX/VMS Upgrades.
        • Workstation Procurement
             - New Generation of Desktop/LAN Platforms
        • Image Processing System Procurement
             - Establishes Image Processing Platform
        • Geographic Information System (GIS) Hardware Procurement
             - Provides for a new generation of GIS Platform
iQfEPA/AMPB          "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
                                                       Page 38

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f
TRENDS IN ARCHITECTI
      EPA's scientific community and Agency management have created several large
      FORTRAN-based mathematical models concerning air pollution and acid rain.
      These models allow the study of pollutant transport over multi-state areas and
      the chemical transformation of pollutants by the action of the sun, atmospheric
      moisture, and atmospheric mixing. Two models now used on a production basis
      are the Regional Oxidant Model (ROM) and the Regional Acid Deposition Model
      (RADM).

      AMPB has proposed acquisition of a high performance scientific computer to
      support RADM, ROM, and other modeling efforts in the Agency. The proposal
      has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for FY91
      Congressional approval. Supercomputer time is now being purchased on an
      hourly basis from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder,
      Colorado. Negotiations with the Microelectronic Center of North Carolina
      (MCNC) are underway to use their Cray Y-MP system for the ROM and RADM
      models. EPA expects to start using the MCNC facility in the first or second
      quarter of FY90.

      Models of this type require massive files of numeric data as input and create
      massive output files. Scientific visualization using high-powered graphics
      workstations is a possible method for increasing the productivity of EPA
      scientists engaged in modeling. The effectiveness of these techniques is being
      explored through a contract with a small firm in Chapel Hill, NC.
 JQJEPA/AMPB
                   "EPA's Information Technology Experts1
Page 39

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      TRENDS IN ARCHITI

B. High Performance Scientific Computing
    • interim Support Facilities
         - National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder,
          Colorado (CRAY X-MP)
         - Microelectronic Center of North Carolina, RTF
          NCSC (North Carolina Supercomputer Center)
          (CRAY Y-MP, Fall'89)
    • Potential for In-House Platform
         - Submitted as a FY91 Budget Initiative
         - Developing Plans for Acquisition

    • Visualization Lab
         - Planning Initiated
  PA/AMPB          "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
                                                    Page 40

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f
      While the current data communications network provides adequate connectivity,
      plans are being developed to modernize the EPA National Data Communications
      System and to make It a powerful information access and transfer utility.

      Plans have been developed to exploit the economies and services available in
      the QSA's FTS-2000 network. Implementation will begin as soon as QSA/AT&T
      make the services available to EPA.

      An X.25 switch contract was awarded in September 1989. The new X.25 switch
      technology will provide a more robust, functional, and manageable X.25 network.
      X.25 traffic will grow to support the agency's new technologies such as GIS,
      LIMS, and image processing applications.

      Plans are being developed to provide a replacement for the Tymnet network as
      that contract expires at the end of FY91.

      When IBM and DEC comply with QOSIP, EPA will implement these capabilities
      into the network to provide interoperability between DEC and IBM platforms. In
      the procurement of future platforms, GOSIP compliance will become a standard
      requirement.

      Plans for connecting EPA LANs in a metropolitan area are being developed to
      provide high speed Intel-connectivity, Wide Area Network communications
      gateway sharing, and premium peripheral device sharing among the Metropolitan
      Area Networks (MANs).

      AMPB has also initiated a program to develop the architecture/vision of an
      information transfer utility for 1995.
 jQfEPA/AMPB
EPA's In formation Technology Experts"
Page 41

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          TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE
    C. Telecommunications Planning for the 1990's
       (TCS90 Project)
        • Phase I
            - Provide for FTS-2000 Transition
            - Provide a more Robust, Secure, and Flexible Network which
             will Evolve towards Federal (GOSIP) and International
             Standards (OS I)
            - Implement in 1991
        • Phase II
            - Provides Significantly New Services to End Users
            - Is Easy to Operate and Manage
            - Complies with Standards to Support a High Level of
             Communication Across Diverse HW/SW Platforms in
             the Agency
            - This Information Transfer Utility Evolves in Mid 90's
iQVEPA/AMPB           "EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
^ ^^^^          ....                    .        I            _,
                                                       Page 42

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                   iCTURAL MANAGEMENT AND
                   PLANNING BRANCH
     The Architectural Management and Planning Branch (AMPB) of the National
     Data Processing Division (NDPD) in Research Triangle Park, NC, will continue its
     efforts to modernize EPA's information technology architecture and conduct
     information technology assessment. With close cooperation between NDPD, the
     Office of Information Resource Management (OIRM), Program Offices, Regional
     Offices, and Labs, EPA will continue to benefit from AMPB's efforts to bring new
     information technology to the agency.

     A key function of AMPB is to manage the agency-wide Information Technology
     Architectural Support (ITAS) contract. This contract enables the Agency to
     acquire professional and expert services for application systems planning,
     feasibility studies, prototyping, local area network design, wide area network
     design, and information technology planning.

     The attached organization chart identifies specific roles of the Technology
     Managers in AMPB. Their telephone numbers are provided so that you may
     share your thoughts with them.

     Your comments on this document would be appreciated. Please direct them to
     Ted Harris (Email T.Harris, phone FTS 629-2538, or FAX FTS 629-1191).
jQjfEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 43

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