C l/\/ I I A\O
022-4-2
March 8, 1989
EPA/ADP Applications Guidance
to Hardware/Software Usage
Draft
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
Prepared for
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT
CONTRACT NO. 68-W8-0083
Prepared by the Viar Team
Viar and Company
300 North Lee Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, Virginia
22314
-------
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Eag£
1.1 Purpose 2
1.2 Background 2
1.3 Usage 2
1.4 References 4
SECTION 2 - THE OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEETS
2.1 Purpose 5
2.2 Fill ing Out the Worksheets 6
2.2.1 The System Inputs Worksheet 6
2.2.2 The System Files Worksheet 8
2.2.3 The System Outputs Worksheet 10
2.2.4 The General System Requirements Worksheet 12
2.2.5 Summary Data Questionnaire 14
SECTION 3 - DECISION MATRICES
3.1 Using the Matrices 16
APPENDICES
Page
APPENDIX A - EPA Hardware/Software Matrix 30
APPENDIX B-EPA Hardware by Location 33
APPENDIX C - EPA Software Descriptions 35
APPENDIX D - EPA Hardware Descriptions 46
APPENDIX E - Sample Operational Specifications Worksheets and Summary Data Questionnaire 53
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual is to provide guidelines for selecting
the most appropriate hardware and software for an automated system at EPA. These guidelines are based upon applica-
tion characteristics defined during the second phase of the EPA system development process - the Preliminary System
Design (see EPA System Design and Development Guidance, Volume B).
A secondary purpose is to identify the hardware and software packages which EPA has chosen to support as
Agency standards. The use of standard packages for common applications supports the agency goal of providing
optimum data sharing capabilities. While other software packages are available within various agency offices, the
standard packages are the preferred tools, and will be the best supported packages in terms of overall EPA support, e.g.
training classes. Standard packages are identified and described in Appendix C under EPA Software Descriptions.
A third purpose of this manual, referenced above, is to promote the goal throughout the agency of sharing data
and providing agency-wide accessibility to data, regardless of where it is stored or maintained. Many users have taken
advantage of the proliferation of microcomputers and software packages throughout the agency to develop individual
systems in their office or departments, without taking into account the larger applicability of the information they have
gathered. When using this manual to develop a new application, two of the first questions asked should be - who could
use this data, and where should it reside in the first place? For example, an office may be developing an application thai
receives and analyzes data on chemical usage by local manufacturers. Initial volume estimates, defined usage require-
ments, and the local nature of the data might indicate an ideal application for the office's 286/386 PC. But if a wider
audience or need for this information can be identified at the start, then a shared environment, based on the use of
regional minicomputers or the 3090 or VAX mainframes at RTF, should be seriously considered for initial development.
1.2 BACKGROUND
The Environmental Protection Agency has diverse computer hardware, software, and communications configu-
rations available to meet its automated data processing needs. Hardware options include two IBM 3090 mainframes,
regional IBM 4381s, a VAX minicomputer cluster. VAXes in field laboratories. Prime office computers. IBM XT/AT -
compatible and SUN 386i microcomputers, Tektronix graphics workstations, Apple Macintosh microcomputers, and
various local area network options. Software options include a variety of programming languages, data base manage-
ment systems, statistical packages, project management packages, word processing packages, graphics software, and
retrieval packages.
A wide variety of applications for automated information systems exist in the agency. These range from
applications for use by a single employee in one location, to national applications whose many users are geographically
located throughout EPA Headquarters. EPA Regional offices. Slate offices, and the general public. Currently, no
guidelines exist to help system managers determine which hardware/software platform would be best suited to a specific
automated systems application. For any one application, a number of hardware/software options may be available. For
this reason, it can be difficult for the system manager to choose the optimal hardware/software/communication configu-
ration for a particular application.
U USAGE
The following section describes now to use this manual within EPA's development life cycle methodology.
This manual will be used during Phase II, Preliminary Design and Options Analysis, specifically section 2. At this point,
the systems manager has defined the initial system requirements. Now the various hardware and software options which
are available in the agency need to be looked at to select the most appropriate platform for this application. Given the
wide range of hardware and software available, this manual provides a structured method to narrow those choices and
provide selected options which will be subjected to further analysis in section 3, Options Analysis, in the Preliminary
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 2
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System Development Guidance
Hardware/Software Usage Guidelines
Operational
Specification
Worksheets
Figure 1.1 - Using the manual as part of the development life cycle
Design and Options Analysis Manual.
The following steps will guide the user through this manual:
Step 1 - Complete each of the Operational Specifications Worksheets, following the instructions provided for each
worksheet which include sample input data for guidance.
Step 2 - Complete The Summary Data Questionnaire which summarizes data from the worksheets.
Step 3 - Use the Decision Matrices. Select the specific application type from the list on page 17. Use the information
from the Summary Data Questionnaire to "walk" through the matrix to the final decision box.
Operational
Specifications
Stepl m Worksheets
J Decision \\
Matrices l\
Figure 1.2 - There are three steps to using this manual
This manual cannot cover all the various system requirements or criteria that may arise. System designers are
urged to contact the Program Systems Division (382-2374) of OIRM for assistance if needed as well as for review and
approval of hardware and software selections made.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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1.4 REFERENCES
The following material was reviewed in preparing this manual.
o EPA System Design and Development Guidance
Volume A: Mission Needs Analysis
Volume B: Preliminary Design and Options Analysis
Volume C: Systems Design, Development and Implementation
o Total Component Report (CNFSOF99-10/26/88). A report from NDPD listing current hardware and software at
all EPA offices and laboratories.
o EPA Office Information Technology Themes, Key Directions, and Functional Requirements (May 26,1987),
American Management Systems, Inc.
o EPA Office Information Technology Strategy and Recommendations (July 20,1987), American Management
Syslcms, Inc
o Overview of EPA's Information Technology Architecture, December 1988, Viar and Company.
o EPA Site Coordinators Handbook.
o EPA Local Area Network Technical Guidelines, Volumes I and II - January, 1988.
o DataPro Directory of Software
o DaiaPro Directory of Microcomputer Software.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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SECTION 2 - THE OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEETS
2.1 PURPOSE
The Operational Specifications Worksheets have been developed to assist the system
manager in translating the functional system requirements developed during the initial
Mission Needs Analysis and Initial System Design into operational specifications. Opera-
tional specifications define the physical attributes of the proposed system. Checklists will
be used to detail these requirements. Using this method, the logical design developed earlier
is broken down by the data characteristics, general requirements, and system constraints to
create a profile of the system. From this profile, the system manager will have a set of
criteria which can define a number of acceptable hardware/software options to meet the
stated needs. Any hardware or software selected for possible use will have to meet these minimum requirements to
warrant further consideration.
There are four worksheets that will be used to define the system's characteristics: System Inputs, System Outputs,
System Files, and General System Requirements. The contents and usage of each worksheet are detailed in Section 2.2,
Filling Out the Worksheets.
o Complete each worksheet as much as possible following the instructions and examples provided for each
worksheet
o Complete the Summary Data Questionnaire using information from the worksheets as input.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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2.2 FILLING OUT THE WORKSHEETS
2.2.1 The System Inputs Worksheet
System input refers to the various sources of information which are entered into, and
processed by, the proposed system. For example, system input may be customer account
numbers and amounts for direct deposit contained on a computer tape to a bank, or re-
sponses to survey questionnaires which are received in hard copy form for data entry into
the system.
The System Inputs Worksheet provides a place to gather and identify this information or
data. The type of information to be entered in each column of the worksheet is described
below. The worksheet, with sample entries, is shown in Figure 2.1.
Column Information to be Entered
Description - A short description of the incoming information, for example:
Financial Report Form 102
Regional Labs Survey Form
Payments, Direct Deposit File
Media - The physical means by which the information is received, for example:
Hard Copy
Floppy Disks
Magnetic tape
Disk File
Frequency - The timefrarne in which information is received: Daily (D), Weekly (W), Monthly (M),
Semi-Annually (SA), Annually (A), On Demand (OD).
Volume - The number of records which will be received in relation to the timefrarne stated above, for example:
500 (Survey Questionnaires)
1,000 (Direct Deposits)
50 (Field Surveys)
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Inputs
Description
Exchange Transactions Data
Financial Statements
Margin Notices Data
Direct Deposits
Field Surveys
Contractor Site Questionnaires
Media
Tape
Paper
Paper
Electronic
Paper
Diskette
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
Frequency
Daily
Daily
Ad-hoc
Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
Volume
600
2
1
1200
50
75
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2.22
The System Files Worksheet
As used in this manual, system files are the logical data files or data stores that have
been defined in the logical design and represented on the system's data flow diagrams or system
flow charts. They are not the actual data base files that will be implemented with the system.
On the System Files Worksheet, shown in Figure 2.2, you will identify the system files and
estimate their size.
To determine file sizes, use any information that has been gathered so far in the analysis
stage, e.g., management projections and reports from current systems are valid data sources. If
the information is not available, further analysis may be necessary.
The information to be entered in each column of the worksheet is described below:
Operuicntl
Spetificitions
Wortsheeu
Column
File Name
Number of Records
Storage
Information to be Entered
- Enter the names of data stores from data flow diagrams or record names from entity-relationship
diagrams. This type of documentation should have been completed for the initial system
concept and the high-level logical design you are now working from.
- Enter the number of records that would be in this file. File sizes should be an estimated
maximum to be reached in a three to five year period.
- The system storage requirements are determined by multiplying the number of records by the
estimated characters per record.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Files
File Name
# of Records
Storage (Mb)
Questionnaire File
8000
10
Deposit File
4000
Transactions
400
Master File
8000
18
Region File
50
.3
Total
20450
35.3
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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2.2.3 The System Outputs Worksheet
System outputs are the information that the system needs to produce. This information
can be in the form of standard reports or screen displays for use by the end-users, or in the form
of files that are used to interface with other systems. By understanding what the system needs
to produce, you will have a better understanding of the technical abilities required of the selected
hardware and software. The information to be entered on the System Outputs Worksheet,
Figure 2.3, is described below.
Column
Description
Format
Frequency
Volume
Opemiaul
Spedficilioni
Wafciheeu
Information to be Entered
- A short description of what is being produced. If it is a report, use its
name; if it is a screen that you have developed, use its name. If it is a file being produced for another
system, use the file name.
- Report, Graph, Screen, Tape, Floppy, etc.
- The timeframe in which information is produced: Daily (D), Weekly (W), Monthly (M), Semi-
Annually (SA), On Demand (OD), etc.
- Estimate what it takes to create this output. If it is a report on all cases in a system, use the
number of cases that you entered for the case file on the System Files Worksheet. If it is an elec-
tronic file to be transferred to another system, estimate the number of records in an average file. For
example, the following worksheet indicates that the master menu is accessed 25 times a day, and
8000 records are read to create the weekly Deleted Records Report.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
10
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Outputs
Description
Frequency
Display Master Menu
Deleted Records Report
Document File
Display Account Information
Questionnaire Statistics
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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2.2.4 The General System Requirements Worksheet
General system requirements are items apart from the logical design of the system.
They set constraints or limitations on the system. These could be security or response time
requirements, limits on system access, etc. Look to the Mission Needs Statement to help in
defining general requirements. Interviews with the client will help further. General system
requirements cover a broad range of topics, such as:
o Automated Interfaces
o Productivity Goals
o Response time
o Compliance with Federal Regulations
o Security and Privacy
o System Constraints
A description of the information to be entered on the General System Requirements Worksheet, Figure 2.4, follows:
Column Information to be Entered
Description - Describe the requirement Use as much space as needed.
Priority - Numerically prioritize the requirements. This is very important, because for many systems, available
solutions will not meet all requirements. Prioritized requirements will help to ensure optimal system
function and performance.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
12
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
General System Requirements
Description
Produce reports on-sitc
Allow users to update data on-line
Provide edit program for input tape
Data base will be accessed by 15 users
Need to exchange data with dBase III data base
User access/system privcleges controlled by application software
Priority L
L I
HH
H
HK
K
HK
n
M 1
M 1
I
1
I
\
1
I
I
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
13
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2.2.5 Summary Data Questionnaire
1. Who will be the audience for this system?
National
Regional
Departmental
Single User
2. Describe your environment:
Laboratory
Non-Laboratory
3. How many simultaneous users will the system have to support?
1 at a time
2-15
16-50
>50
4 ."What is the maximum number of records that the system will have to manage or, what is the maximum amount of
storage the system will use?
< 10,000 records or 20 Megabytes of storage
10,000 < records < 50,000 or 100 Megabytes of storage
50,000 < records < 100,000 or 1 Gigabyte of storage
> 100,000 records or > 1 Gigabyte of storage
5. What hardware do users have access to at your location?
Macintosh
PC
LAN
Prime
VAX/VAX Cluster
LMF/3090
6. A. Is data accessed directly from other Agency Systems? If so, where does it reside:
IBM 3090
VAX Cluster
LMF
VAX
Prime
PC
Other
**File sizes should be an estimated maximum to be reached in 3-5 year period.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 14
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B. If you have data coming from other Agency hardware, in what type of system does
the data reside?
ADABAS
Focus
Other Mainframe DBMS
Prime Information
dBase III
7. Report Requirements:
Adhoc reports (random retrieval)
Standard batch report runs (defined data paths)
8. Do you need specialized output devices?
Graphics Printers
Plotter
Other
9. System Response:
Reports: Onsilc/Immcdiatc
Batch/Overnight
On-Linc Response Time in seconds: maximum
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 15
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Opcmionil
SDetifettiom
Wcriuheets
SECTION 3 - DECISION MATRICES
3.1 USING THE MATRICES
From the Mission Needs Analysis and Initial System Concept, the system manager has a
general characterization of the application system to be developed. This would include the
type and volume of data coming in, the kind of output desired, and general system require-
ments such as who can/will access and use the data, how much others can manipulate the
data, security concerns, etc.
Although these ideas will be further refined during later stages of the system develop-
ment cycle, enough information should be available now to determine the physical attributes
of the proposed application. These attributes will allow the system manager to select the most appropriate software/
hardware configurations to meet the design requirements. The Operational Specifications Worksheets were designed to
focus and summarize the data gathered to date. This information, together with the answers from the Summary Data
Questionnaire, will enable the system manager to use the decision matrices to select optimal development configurations.
The decision matrix approach was developed to reduce the complexity of the selection process. A separate matrix (or
set of matrices) is provided for each type of application (e.g., statistical, spreadsheet, graphics, etc). For some applica-
tions, multiple software and hardware combinations can be considered. For others, there may be only a single software
package, but multiple hardware platforms on which it could be implemented. And, in a very few cases, the choice of the
appropriate selection is quite simple, because there is only one software package or one hardware platform available.
For example, if the application is text searching, BASIS on the 3090 must be used; no other option is available. Simi-
larly, if the system manager is interested in a CAD application, AUTOCAD, a PC-based application, is the only option.
The system manager can quickly determine from the matrix in Appendix A if the requirements are such that the system
configuration is limited to one option.
To use the matrices:
o Select the type of application being developed from the following page.
o Go to the appropriate matrix. Using information from the Summary Data Questionnaire, 'walk' through the
matrix. For most of the matrices, there are several decision criteria illustrated along the borders of the
matrix, with numbers or hardware/software choices listed in the intersections of the rows and columns which
represent available option(s).
o Once the system platform(s) have been identified, return to the Preliminary Design and Options Analysis
Manual, part 3 - Options Analysis, to evaluate the identified options against requirements and continue with
the Detailed Design phase.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual \ 6
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TVPC of Application:
Small
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Large
Data Base Management
Laboratory -
Non-Laboratory -
Desktop Publishing
Presentation Graphics
Charts
Drawing/Painting
Electronic Spreadsheet
Statistical Analysis
Computer-Aided Design
Geographical Information System
Text Searching
Word Processing
See Page 18
See Page 19
See Page 20
See Page 21
See Page 22
See Page 23
See Page 24
See Page 25
SeePage 26
See Page 27
SeePage 28
SeePage 29
SeePage 29
SeePage 29
SeePage 29
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
17
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DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
SMALL SYSTEMS - <50K RECORDS OR <100MB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
BELATED DATA
PC
VAX
VAX CLUSTER
NONE
VOLATILITY
LOW OK
MODI.RATE
VOUMTLI:
HIGHLY
VOI-ATIIJ
LOW OK
MODCRATC
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
1DGIILY
VO1.ATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
IIICilll.Y
VOI.ATM I.
SINGLE USER
1
2
2
23
3
3
3
3.4
3.4
4
1.2
1.2
3
DEPARTMENTAL OR
RHGIONAL
2-15
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
3
3
3
16-50
3
3.4
4
3
3,4
4
4
4
4
3
3,4
4
>50
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
NATIONAL
>1
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
LEGEND
1 - dBase DI-PC
2 - PC/Focus - PC
3 - Focus - VAX
4 - FOCUS - VAX CLUSTI:R
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
MEDIUM SYSTEMS - 50K - 100K RECORDS OR 100MB - 1GB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
ELATED DATA
PC
VAX
VAX CLUSTER
NONE
VOLATILITY
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLA1I1.I
LOW OH
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOIATILE
LOW OR
MODPKAIL
voiAnu:
IIIGIIl.Y
VOI.ATII r
LOW OH
MODERATE
voi.ATn.1.
IlICI 11 Y
VOI-AfllE
SINGLE L'Sr.R
1
3
3.4
4
3
3.4
4
3.4
4
4
3
3.4
4
DRPARTMr.NTAl.OR
RliOlONAL
2-15
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.4
3,4
3,4
3.4
16-50
3.4
3.4
4
3,4
3.4
4
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3,4
4
>50
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
NATIONAL
>1
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
LEGKND
I -dBase III-PC
2 - PC/Focus - PC
3 - Focus - VAX
4 - Focus - VAX CLUS1 HR
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
LARGE SYSTEMS - >100K RECORDS OR > 1GB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
ULATEDDATA
PC
VAX
VAX CLUSTER
NONE
VOLATILITY
LOW OR
MOIWKAH.
VOI.ATILI:
HICilll Y
VOI.ATI1 1
LOW OK
MODI KA n.
VOLAT11.L
HIGHLY
VOI.AIII.I.
LOW OR
MODI~RAI i:
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOI AT II 1'
LOW OR
MODI RAT 1
VOI.AIII 1.
innin Y
VOLA1 11 1.
SINGLE USER
1
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3,4
4
DEPARTMENTAL OR
REGIONAL
2-15
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3.4
4
3.4
3,4
4
3.4
3.4
4
16-50
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
<50
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
NATIONAL
>1
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
LEGEND
1 -dBase III-PC
2 - PC/Focus - PC
3 - Focus - VAX
4-Focus-VAXCLUSir.K
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR NON-LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
SMALL SYSTEMS - <50K RECORDS OR <100MB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
ELATED DATA
PC/LAN
LMF
IBM 3090
NONE
VOLATILITY
LOW OK
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LUWUK
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
SINGLE USER
1
1.23.4
3.4
3
3.4
3.4
5
1.23.4
3.4.5
5.6
1.2
1.23.4
3.4
DEPARTMENTAL
2-15
3
3
5
3.5
5
5
6
6
3.4
3
5
16-50
3
3
5
5
5
5
6
6
3
3
5
>SO
6
6.7
7
5
5
7
6
7
5
5
7
REGIONAL
2-15
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
5
5
5
16-50
5
5
5
5
5
S
6
6
5
5
5
>50
5
5.6
7
5
5
7
6
7
5
5
7
NATIONAL
>1
6
6
6.7
6
6
6.7
6
6
6.7
6
6
6.7
LEGEND
1 - dBase HI - PC
2 - PC/Focus - PC
3 - Focus - LAN
4 - dBase ID - LAN
5-Focus-LMF
6 - Focus - IBM 3090
7 - ADABAS - IBM 3090
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
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DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR NON-LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
MEDIUM SYSTEMS 50K - 100K RECORDS OR 100MB - 1GB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
ELATED DATA
PC/LAN
LMF
IBM 3090
NONE
VOLAmiTY
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
SINGLE USER
1
3.4
3.4
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
3.4
3.4.5
5
DEPARTMENTAL
2-15
3
3
6,7
5
5
5
6
6
6.7
3.4
3.4
6.7
16-50
3.5
5
6.7
5
5
5.6
6
6
6.7
5
5
6,7
>50
5.6
5.6
7
5.6
5.6
7
6
6
7
6
6
7
REGIONAL
2-15
3.5
3.5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6.7
3.5
3.5
6.7
16-50
3.5
5
5.6
5
5
5.6
6
6
6.7
5
5
6,7
>SO
5
5
7
5.6
5.6
7
6
6
7
6
6
7
NATIONAL
>1
6
6
7
6
6
7
6
6
7
6
6
7
LEGEND
1 -dBase ID-PC
2 - PC/Focus PC
3 - Focus - LAN
4 dBase HI - LAN
5 Focus - LMF
6 - Focus - IBM 3090
7 - ADABAS - IBM 3090
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
22
-------
DATABASE MANAGEMENT
FOR NON-LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS
LARGE SYSTEMS >100K RECORDS OR >1GB STORAGE
AUDIENCE
NUMBER OF USERS
LOCATION OF
ULATBDDATA
PC/LAN
LMF
IBM 3090
NONE
VOLATILITY
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
LOW OR
MODERATE
VOLATILE
HIGHLY
VOLATILE
SINGLE USER
1
^
DEPARTMENTAL
2-15
5
5
5.6
5
5
5,6
6
6
6,7
5
5.6
5.6.7
16-50
5.6
5.6.7
6.7
5.6
5.6.7
6.7
6
6.7
6.7
5
5.6
6.7
>50
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
7
6.7
6.7
7
6.7
6.7
6,7
REGIONAL
2-15
5
5
5.6
5
5
5.6
6
6
6.7
5
5.6
5.6,7
16-50
5.6
5.6.7
6.7
6,7
6,7
6.7
6
6,7
6,7
5
5.6
6.7
>50
6.7
6,7
7
6.7
6.7
7
6.7
6.7
7
6.7
6,7
7
NATIONAL
>1
6
6,7
7
6
6.7
7
6
6.7
7
6
6,7
7
LEGEND
1 - dBase LH-PC
2 - PC/Focus - PC
3 Focus LAN
4 - dBase ID - LAN
5 - Focus LMF
6 - Focus IBM 3090
7 - ADABAS IBM 3090
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
23
-------
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
SOFTWARE PACKAGE
ALDUS PAGEMAKER*
VENTURA PUBLISHER
HARDWARE AVAILABLE
PC
*
*
MACINTOSH
*
* Use PageMaker wherever possible
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
24
-------
PRESENTATION GRAPHICS
CHARTS
SOFTWARE
PACKAGE
CHART
CRICKET GRAPH
INFO VERSAGRAPH
SAS/GRAPH
TELLAGRAF*
RELATED DATA IS OR WILL BE LOCATED ON
SAS
(ANY
HARDWARE)
#
DHMS
1IJM 3090
*
PRIME
INFORMATION
*
PC
*
MAC
*
* If a high volume of output is desired, it.\c
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
25
-------
PRESENTATION GRAPHICS
DRAWING/PAINTING
SOFTWARE PACKAGE
CRICKET DRAW
DR. HALO III
DRAW APPLAUSE
FREELANCE PLUS
MAC DRAW
MAC PAINT
HARDWARE AVAILABLE
MACINTOSH
*
*
#
PC
*
*
*
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
26
-------
ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET
Suggested
Spreadsheet
Tool
20/20
FocCalc
Lotus 1-2-3*
SAS/FSP
Supercalc/MF
RELATED DATA IS OR WILL BE LOCATED ON
SAS
on
IBM 3090
or VAX
PC/LAN
IBM 3090
or VAX
Focus
on
IBM 3090
or VAX
IBM 3090
or VAX
PC/LAN
Other
DBMS
on
IBM 3090
PC/LAN
IBM 3090
Prime
Prime
PC/LAN
Other
(e.g. states)
PC/LAN
PC
PC/LAN
'/
?
'/,
?"
',,
1
1
m
nuwuuuvMuuuutJm
' EPA Standard
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
27
-------
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS (SAS1
Audience
Number of Records or
Amount of Storage
"*" ^^^^ User Location
Number of Users ' .^^
1 at a lime
2-15
16-50
>50
Single User
10,000 or
20 Megabytes
Laboratory
Non-
Laboratory
PC
:v.vx::>::::::::. ::V::*:\::v.v:£':;:. .' ;.;;-':.::, ;:-:;-.V:
IllIlJK/xiH
,:;:;;: -::S?iiSlf:'
Departmental or
Regional
< 100,000 or
1 Gigabyte
Laboratory
Non-
Laboratory
National §
> 100,000 or \
> 1 Gigabyte \
Laboratory
Non- I
Laboratory \
S
VAX
VAX
Cluster
LMF
IBM 3090
VAX
Cluster
I
\
IBM 3090 i
\
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
28
-------
OTHER APPLICATIONS
Type of
Application
Computer
Aided
Design
Geographical
Information
Systems
Text
Searching
Word
Processing
HARDWARE PLATFORM
IBM 3090
BASIS
LMF
DEC/VAX
ARC/INFO
WordPerfect
Prime
ARC/INFO
PC
Autodesk
AutoCad2
ARC/INFO
WordPerfect
Macintosh
LAN
WordPerfect
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
29
-------
APPENDIX A - EPA HARDWARE/SOFTWARE MATRIX
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 30
-------
EPA HARDWARE/SOFTWARE MATRIX
HARDWARE ENVIRONMENT
SOFTWARE/TOOL
|IBM 4381 [DEC/VAX I PRIME I PC I MAC I LAN
COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE/CAPABILITIES
3270 PC file Transfer
Arbiter
Aiynch ASCII
Crosstalk
Dec/Net
GNetn
HASP
ucnDil
Nauinil/CuiBiection
Novell Netware
PrimeHnk
PrimeNel
SAS/RLINKRTERM
SNA
X.25
*
»
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
I Autodesk AutoCad 2
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
ADABAS. Software AC
dBase ffi. Ashton-Tate
Focus, Information Builders
IDMS, Cullinet
Rnine hifonnauon, Pftme Coinputer
System 2000, SAS Institute
*
*
»
*
»
*
»
*
*
*
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
PageMaker. Aldus
Venture Publisher
»
*
»
DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE
Basic (not ANSI Standard)
COBOL
Easytheve Plus, Panosoptnc
roilim
Natural. Software AC
Pascal
PL/1
SAS. SAS Institute
*
»
*
*
*
ELECTRONIC MAIL
ELink
VAX Mail
ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET
2Q/20. Access Technology
Excel, Microsoft
FocCalc. Information Builders
Lotni 1-2-3, Lotus Development
SAS/FSP. SAS Institute
SoperCalc MF. Coinputer Associates
*
*
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
ARC/INFO. ESR1
UNIMAP.Uniras
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
31
-------
EPA HARDWARE/SOFTWAREJMATRIX
HARDWARE ENVIRONMENT
SOFTWARE/TOOL
IBM 3090 | IBM 4381 I DEC/VAX I PRIME I PC I MAC I LAN
PRESENTATION GRAPHICS
Chart, Microsoft
Cricket Draw, Cricket Software
Cricket Graph. Cricket Software
Dr.HaJoIHIMSI
Dnw Applause
Fndance Plus. Loins Development
Info Vcrsagraph
MacDraw, Apple Computer
MacPaint, Apple Computer
SASGnph, SAS Institute
Tellagraf, Computer Associates
*
*
*
»
PROGRAMMER PRODUCTIVITY AlDSlFACILTTIES
COBOL Debugger
EMACS, Prime Computer
EVE/TPF
FORTRAN Debugger
ISPF.IBM
Librarian, ADR
Turbo Pascal, Bodand International
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Microsoft Project, Microsoft
Tellaplan Expert, Computer Associates
Timeline, Symantec
STATISTICAL SOFTWARE
I SAS. SAS Institute
J ! I L
J L
TEXT SEARCHING
\ Basis. Information Dimensions
J : L
WORD PROCESSING
Displaywriie4.IBM
Info-Text, Henco Software
Lexitype, Lexitrenics
MacWrite, Apple Computer
MultiMate, Ashton-Tate
TenWP
Word. Microsoft
Wordmarc, Marc International
WordPerfect, WordPerfect Corp.
Wordstar, Micropro International
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
32
-------
APPENDIX B - EPA HARDWARE LOCATION MATRIX
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 33
-------
EPA HARDWARE LOCATION MATRIX
(LOCATION
IBM
3090
IBM
4381
PDF
11/78X
VAX
8650
VAX
8600
MICRO
VAxn
MICRO
VAX 2000
PRIME
Central Office
I RTF
J : I : I : I ! I
Regions
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Kansas City
New York
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Seattle
WIC/Headquarters
*
Laboratories
Ada. OK
Annapolis, MD
Athens. GA
Chapel Hill, NC
Cincinnati. OH
Corvallis.OR
Duluth. MN
Orosse De, MI
Gulf Breeze, FL
Las Vegas. NV
Montgomery, AL
Nanagansett, RI
Newport, OR
*
*
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual
34
-------
APPENDIX C - EPA SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 35
-------
APPENDIX C - EPA SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
Cl. SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS
Appendix C provides short descriptions of the types of software and the software packages available and
supported by the EPA. These descriptions are not meant to be inclusive. They have been written to provide EPA
personnel with limited computer knowledge a general overview of the features of these packages. The descriptions can
be used as a companion to the Hardware/Software Matrix in Appendix A. The Matrix lists the software available at EPA
and the hardware that it is implemented on. The software descriptions are listed by category, in the order defined in the
Hardware/Software Matrix.
Cl.l COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE
Communications software permits computers to exchange information. This exchange can take the form of a
file transfer or a dialogue with an application system. Because the EPA has such a diverse suite of computers, there are
many communications packages available to accomplish these tasks.
3270 PC FILE TRANSFER
3270 PC File Transfer enables a personal computer (PC) equipped with a 3270 emulation board to transfer files
to and from an IBM mainframe computer. This capability is available for the PC or Macintosh. They can
connect to the IBM 3090 in Research Triangle Park or one of the regional IBM 4381 (LMF) systems.
ARBITER
Arbiter is a software package which is installed on both mainframe computers and personal computers. It
enables the personal computer to have access to mainframe disk space and applications using a 3270 emulation
board or a modem. Arbiter provides three capabilities: a remote disk environment that makes mainframe disk
space looks like a personal computer hard disk, the ability to transfer files to and from the mainframe, and the
ability to emulate a 3270 type terminal for access to mainframe applications.
ASYNCH ASCII
Asynchronous ASCII is a method of communication that enables a user to connect to a computer system as a
dumb terminal. The terminal (or personal computer) and the host must be capable of supporting one of several
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards. The most common is X3.64 which is the description
of a DEC VT100 or IBM 3100 terminal's display capabilities. Many communications packages for personal
computers support a subset of X3.64. This allows a personal computer user to use application software on
another computer.
CROSSTALK
Crosstalk is a communications package available for IBM-compatible personal computers. It gives PCs the
capability of emulating an asynchronous ASCII terminal. Crosstalk allows the user to store telephone numbers
and will dial-up computers automatically when directed. In addition. Crosstalk provides the ablility to transfer
files between the personal computer and another computer.
DEC/NET
DEC/NET is a generic term for Digital Equipment Corporation's networking products. EPA uses DEC/NET to
connect geographically separated DEC computers, and to connect terminals and other devices on an Ethernet
local area network. DEC/NET connects the DEC computers located at laboratories with DEC computers at
RTP.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 36
-------
HASP
HASP (Houston Asynchronous Spooling Package) was one of the first remote communications packages
developed on IBM mainframes which saw wide use. It provides the capability to transfer flies among machines
in a somewhat limited fashion. EPA has implementations of HASP on the IBM 3090, the IBM 4381s, the DEC
VAX. the PRIME, and PCs.
KERMIT
Kermil is a file transfer protocol supported as a public service by Columbia University in New York. It allows
a personal computer or Macintosh to emulate a VT102 terminal to connect to another computer running Kermit.
To perform the file transfer, Kermit must be run on both computers. Files can then be transferred in either
direction. The protocol checks for data errors and retransmits as needed automatically. The EPA has installed
Kermit on the IBM 3090, the DEC VAX, and the Prime. Crosstalk can use the Kermit protocol as one of its file
transfer options.
NATURAL/CONNECTION
Natural/Connection runs on the personal computer and works with NATURAL running on the mainframe. It
allows the PC to exchange data with the mainframe while maintaining security and data integrity. It formats
data downloaded from the mainframe for personal computer use and will reformat the data for later uploading
to the mainframe. It also allows users to develop NATURAL mainframe applications on the personal computer
for transfer to, and use by, the mainframe.
NOVELL NETWARE
Novell Netware is the network operating system used on the IBM Token-Ring network at EPA. It allows
personal computers connected to the network to share files, printers and access to mainframe computers.
PRIME/LINK
Prime/Link is a software package which provides virtual disk space on the Prime minicomputer for personal
computers.
PRIME/NET
Prirr^et is the network operating system which connects the various administrative Prime terminals on the
Prime Ethernet LAN. It provides file sharing, print sharing, and electronic mail.
SNA
X.25
IBM's System Network Architecture (SNA) is the communications architecture used by EPA to link the
Agency's token-ring LAN's, LMF's and IBM 3090 mainframe together.
X.25 is a data communications standard which defines the procedures for the exchange of data between devices
in a packet-switching network. At EPA, X.25 is used for connection to the Prime office automation systems,
and to interconnect the VAX laboratory systems running DEC/NET.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 37
-------
C1.2 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
Computer aided design programs are tools that are used for technical design and drafting. EPA supports only
one CAD product, described below.
AUTODESK AUTOCAD 2
AutoCad is the EPA standard for computer-aided design software. It is a general purpose design and drafting
program mat runs on any of the Agency IBM compatible personal computers. Digitizing Tablets, a graphics
input device that allows a user to trace a drawing on a flat surface while data coordinates are being reflected on
die computer, are often used with this program.
Cl J DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
Data base management programs allow virtually unlimited amounts of data to be stored, easily retrieved.
modified, sorted and printed. The EPA has several data base management systems (DBMS) available for use. The
decision of which DBMS is best for a given application is based on the audience for the data, the volume of data, the use
of the data, and the number of simultaneous users.
ADABAS
ADAB AS is installed on the IBM 3090. It is a relational data base management system with several utility
programs. AD ABAS supports concurrent batch and on-line processing. It features data compression, separa-
tion of physical data storage from representation of logical relationships in the data base, a comprehensive
security system and automatic restart/recovery capabilities. ADABAS is an EPA standard DBMS targeted for
use in high volume environments.
DBASE m+
dBase m+ is a powerful relational data base management system for use on personal computer systems and
local area networks. It is the EPA standard for personal computer data base applications. It features a menu
interface, compatibility with many other PC programs, data security, a report generator, a programming
language, and a host programming language interface.
FOCUS
Focus is a user-oriented 4GL and data base management system. It combines an English-like language with a
data base that supports both relational and hierarchical structures. It is also a standard DBMS for EPA. Be-
cause Focus is implemented on the IBM 3090. VAX cluster. LMF, LAN and PC's, it is the best DBMS choice
where data is distributed among many locations or where the system may need to be transported across different
hardware platforms. It is limited by not being a good choice for high-volume transaction systems.
IDMS
IDMS is a network and relational data base management system for large scale systems. It features a fourth
generation data manipulation language for developing on-line systems, and a data dictionary. It is often used
for large systems that require high throughput without ad-hoc reporting needs. Although IDMS is available on
the IBM 3090. ADABAS is the preferred tool for this type of application.
PRIME INFORMATION
Prime Information is a distributed data management and applications development environment for the
Agency's Prime computers. It is a fourth generation, relational-based DBMS that provides users with all the
tools necessary to define and manage data bases and write application software.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 38
-------
SYSTEM 2000
System 2000 is available on the IBM 3090 at RTF. It is DBMS software that offers integrated tools for data
management including interactive query/update, an integrated data dictionary, report writing, relational data
base access, high-volume batch and interactive production processing, accounting,data recovery and conversa-
tional building of data bases. Potential system developers are discouraged from using mis older DBMS product
C1.4 DESKTOP PUBLISHING
Desktop Publishing software is used for page layout where text and graphics need to be mixed in the same
document The use of desktop publishing software has grown rapidly in the last few years as hardware and software
capable of producing quality documents has become more accessible and prices have decreased
PAGEMAKER by ALDUS
PageMaker is a desktop publishing package which is available on both personal computers and Macintosh
systems. It is capable of combining text and graphics and provides a great deal of versatility in producing page
layouts including choices of fonts and multi-column page layouts. If possible, use PageMaker for desktop
publishing needs.
VENTURA PUBLISHER
Ventura Publisher is a desktop publishing system for IBM-compatible personal computers. Users can select
preferred combinations of pull-down and pop-up menus. Many functions are selectable either by the mouse or
by simple keyed commands. It allows color printing on Postscript-compatible printers, or printing of separa-
tions on any black-and-white printer.
C1.5 DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE
This section consists of programming languages and application development tools for use in a variety of
environments.
BASIC
The Basic Programming language is delivered as pan of DOS by IBM on the personal computer. It is also
available as a stand-alone product for the personal computers. It is not an ANSI standard and should not be
considered for application development.
COBOL
COBOL is a language designed for business application usage. It is the dominant language for business applica-
tions. The language was designed to be self-documenting by using English-like procedural statements. CO-
BOL is available on the IBM 3090. Prime, and IBM PC compatibles.
EASYTRffiVEPLUS
Easytrieve Plus is an information retrieval and data management system designed to serve the needs of both the
information center and application development center environments that runs on the IBM 3090 at RTF. Its
capabilities include automatic report composition and label creation. Its design allows users to access data from
almost any file structure or data base including, VS AM, IDMS and flat files.
FORTRAN
FORTRAN was one of the first computer languages developed and is intended for mathematical and scientific
applications. It is available on all EPA systems except the Macintosh.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 39
-------
NATURAL
Natural is a comprehensive, fourth generation language that provides facilities for advanced application
development These facilities include: intelligent source, screen design, report and global data editors, struc-
tured syntax, an interactive compiler and a library maintenance system. EPA uses Natural for programming
ADABAS DBMS applications on the IBM 3090.
PASCAL
PL/I
SAS
Pascal is a multi-purpose, structured language offering globally optimized object code. All implementations of
Pascal within the Agency conform to ANSI standards. The language is implemented on two platforms: Prime
and IBM PC compatibles.
PL/I is a programming language developed initially by IBM. It was intended to combine the best elements of
COBOL and FORTRAN. PL/I is a powerful language that is often used for software development on IBM
mainframes. It is available within EPA on the IBM 3090.
SAS. which stands for Statistical Analysis System, provides the ability to perform a wide variety of analyses on
a data base. This data base must be in SAS formal or extracted from another data base management system into
a "flat" file and fed to SAS for the analysis.
C1.6 ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS
Electronic spreadsheets gained popularity on personal computers due to the ease with which information could
be entered into the spreadsheet and then manipulated. Spreadsheets are available on a wide range of computers at the
EPA. Choosing the best spreadsheet will be based upon personal preference and the location of data that will be im-
ported into the spreadsheet.
20/20
20/20 is a multiuser, integrated spreadsheet for the Agency's Prime computers. It combines a spreadsheet with
graphics, data base management, and project modeling. It can transfer data to and from many other programs,
including data bases and word processing programs. It features a 1,000 x 8,192 cell spreadsheet and can share
spreadsheet information with Lotus 1-2-3.
EXCEL
Excel is a spreadsheet for the Macintosh which includes business graphics and data base. Excel's spreadsheet is
16384 rows by 256 columns. Its major features include ease of use and rapid model creation through the use of
Macintosh's visual interface; advanced formatting for on-screen viewing and for printing; graphics with custom
built-in formats; spreadsheet linking; automatic recording of macros; selective recalculation; 2 way file inter-
change with Lotus 1-2-3 worksheets; and compatibility with Chan files on the Macintosh.
FocCalc
FocCalc is a full function spreadsheet that is fully integrated with the Focus 4GL and data base system. With it,
the user can place Focus report writing (table) requests directly into the spreadsheet cells and automatically
populate the spreadsheet with data. Users can directly access and combine data from Focus files or any file in
the data center which can be read by Focus. If you have a Focus data base and need to view that information in
a spreadsheet, this is the spreadsheet of choice.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 40
-------
LOTUS 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 is the Agency standard spreadsheet program for the IBM-compatible personal computer. It
combines spreadsheet analysis, graphics, and information management capabilities into one program. 1-2-3's
spreadsheet capabilities let users enter numbers, text, or formulas into a network cell so that, by changing the
contents of certain cells, users can perform a set of calculations automatically. Users can also copy ranges of
cells, insert or delete rows and columns, change the output format of a range of cells or the width of a column of
cells. The size of the spreadsheet is 2.048 rows by 256 columns with a half megabyte model capacity.
SAS/FSP
SAS/FSP, available on the IBM 3090 at RTF and the lab VAX's, offers interactive procedures for data entry.
data editing and query. Screens can be defined to enter data into SAS data sets for data management, analysis
and reporting. SAS/FSP provides a full-featured spreadsheet tool for use with SAS data sets. SAS/FSP
software is a pan of the SAS system, an integrated data analysis system.
SUPERCALC MF
SuperCalc/MF. available on the IBM 3090 at RTF, is an electronic spreadsheet and decision support system for
financial modeling and analysis. Functions include generation, consolidation, and presentation of reports; sales
projections; and preparation of divisional and departmental plans, and other large corporate financial projects.
It offers menu-driven access to existing data bases; automated up- and down-loading of microcomputer spread-
sheets; micro-to-mainframe bridge, and link between dissimilar micros running incompatible spreadsheets.
C1.7 GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Geographical Information Systems (CIS) are computer-based systems that combine geographic and carto-
graphic capabilities with data base management capabilities. CIS enable users to enter, mainipulate and display spatial
data easily and considerably faster than any previous methods have allowed. Geographic files can be overlaid with
thematic information (e.g., population, superfund sites, geologic formationsjand use, etc.) to enhance program manage-
ment, analysis, and decision making.
ARC/INFO
ARC/INFO, EPA's standard geographic information system (CIS) software, provides the functionality for
managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. It integrates a cartographic system with a relational DBMS.
This integrated structure facilitates the handling of the two generic classes of spatial data: cartographic data
describing the location and topology of point, line and polygon features; and attribute data describing these
features. Publication quality maps can be produced with ARC/INFO's display capabilities including symbol
sets, fonts, lines, and shade patterns. Reports can be generated using ARC/INFO's DBMS capabilities.
UNIMAP
Unimap is an interactive, menu-driven, color contour mapping and modeling system. It maps complex regular
and irregular data sets. It produces visualization of data in a wide variety of map formats: scatter plots, 2D
grids, 2D color shaded contour, multiple 2D projections, 3D color shaded contour, 3D with 2D projection, 3D
bar maps and 4D mapped data display. Unimap resides on the IBM 3090 at RTF.
CL8 GRAPHICS
Graphics packages have become more popular in recent years. This is probably because powerful computer
hardware has decreased in price, making the use of graphics less costly. The EPA supports a variety of graphics pack-
ages. Choosing the best one for an application will depend on the type of output expected. One package may be the best
for developing organizational charts while another is better for developing screen or slide shows.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 41
-------
CHART
Microsoft Chan is a presentation quality business graphics program for designing customized charts and graphs
on IBM compatible personal computers. In Chan, data is entered, edited and formatted directly on the screen.
Data may also be imported from programs such as dBase m and Lotus 1-2-3. Graphics created by this program
can be displayed in a variety of documents, including Microsoft Word and WordPerfect.
CRICKET DRAW
Cricket Draw is an object-oriented drawing program for the Macintosh that takes advantage of the graphics
capabilities of Postscript printers. The package consists of two integrated programs: a drawing window and a
Postscript language editor. The user has control of object and text design such as rotating, tilting, shadowing
and tinting.
CRICKET GRAPH
Cricket Graph is a high performance graphing program for use in business, engineering, and science. It offers
12 graph types, full text editing capabilities, export to page layout and word processing programs, and the
ability to import data from spreadsheets, data bases, etc. Cricket Graph runs on the Apple Macintosh.
DR. HALO m
Dr. Halo m is a paint program and a raster editor for IBM compatible personal computers. Using the picture
menu, users can draw, paint, move, cut and paste, and rubberstamp images. These functions, combined with the
choices of colors, patterns, symbols, line widths, type faces, and air brush densities allow users to design high-
quality images.
FREELANCE PLUS
Freelance Plus is a complete graphics package for IBM compatible personal computers. It integrates charting,
graphics, editing, freehand drawing, symbol libraries, diagrams, maps and word slides that can be used for
presentations and reports. Users may import data from packages like Lotus 1-2-3 or Symphony.
MACDRAW
Macdraw is a custom graphics program for the Macintosh. It allows users to design forms and technical
illustrations, prepare slide presentations, customize graphs and charts, create floor plans and maps. Using the
mouse, the user can draw circles, rectangles, arcs, straight lines and freehand sketches. Text may be added for
labels and captions.
MACPAINT
MacPaint, available on the Macintosh, allows users to draw any number of shapes or designs and transfer the
exact graphics contents of the screen to a printed report. Using the mouse, users select lines, rectangles, circles,
or draw freehand shapes. Users can also choose a number of paintbrush sizes and shapes, a paint can to fill in
blank portions of a screen, a spray paint can, and any of 38 different shades.
S AS/GRAPH
SAS/Graph is an information and presentation color graphics tool. It produces charts, plots, and maps in a
variety of colors and patterns. Graphics components can be created, stored in an on-line catalog, and retrieved
as needed and combined with other graphics. SAS/Graph is a pan of the S AS system, an integrated software
system providing data management, analysis and presentation. SAS/Graph is available for use in the IBM
3090. VAX, PRIME and PC environments.
Hardware/Software Usage Guidance Manual 42
-------
TELLAGRAF
Tellagraf is a presentation quality graphics system for the IBM 3090 that generates both one-time ad-hoc charts
or high-volume production graphics. It charts data from multiple sources: data bases, financial systems,
spreadsheets, and reports. Graphs include tailor bar, line, pie, word charts, and tables. It is an English-lan-
guage, conversational program that produces output on paper, overhead transparencies. 35mm slides, or CRT
screens.
CIJ PROGRAMMER PRODUCTIVITY AIDS
The EPA supports a variety of productivity aids for programmers. These aids consist of "debugger" programs
which allow programmers to step through a program to determine its actions more precisely, text editors, menu systems,
and library capabilities to allow release management.
COBOL DEBUGGER
The COBOL debugger allows a programmer to step through his COBOL code and see the results after the
execution of each statement in order to determine what is causing an error in the output.
EMACS
The EMACS editor is a full screen editor with windowing capabilities. EMACS is supported by EPA on
PRIME systems.
FORTRAN DEBUGGER
A FORTRAN debugger allows a programmer to step through a FORTRAN program in order to determine
which instruction is causing an error in the program. It is supported by EPA on the IBM 3090 and the DEC
VAX systems.
ISPF
The Interactive Structured Programming Facility (ISPF) consists of a set of menu screens which are individu-
ally configured for each programmer. The facility contains the ability to access system queues; compile, link,
and execute programs; a full screen editor; and a split screen capability. It is available on the IBM 3090 and the
IBM 4381 systems.
LIBRARIAN
Librarian is a source management system for the IBM 3090. It allows the EPA to manage and audit its catalog
of software. In addition. Librarian's Change Control Facility provides a methodology for managing the
program update cycle.
TURBO PASCAL
Turbo Pascal is a complete Pascal development environment for IBM PC compatibles, including a compiler and
debugger.
CLIO PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Project Management took allow a manager to enter the events, milestones, and resources necessary to complete
a project. The software will calculate the time and cost of doing the project. The EPA supports tools which are available
on the IBM 3090 and on a personal computer. Please note that the use of a project management tool on a specific
machine does not imply that the project must be developed on that machine.
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MICROSOFT PROJECT
Microsoft Project is a scheduling and reporting tool for managers that runs on IBM compatible personal
computers. It creates schedules using a row and column format just like a spreadsheet Gantt charts showing
task durations and PERT chart showing project flow are created and automatically updated. Project data may
be exported directly to packages such as Lotus 1-2-3 or dBase m.
TELLAPLAN EXPERT
Tellaplan Expert, available on the IBM 3090 at RTF, is a full-featured project management tool. With it a
manager may use 'what if capabilities to evaluate project alternatives, and calculate and visually represent
critical paths, dependencies, and slack/float time. Functions included are Gantt charts, PERT/CPM in two
formats (activity-on-arrow and activity-on-node), work breakdown structures, costs, and resource and tabular
reporting capabilities.
TIMELINE
Timeline is a project planning and tracking tool that runs on IBM compatible personal computers. Using Gantt,
PERT and resource histogram charts, the user can enter an unlimited number of tasks, dependencies, resources
and cost categories. It can print summary, detail and periodic reports for tasks, resources and costs, or select
portions of the project for custom reports. Project data may be exported directly to packages such as Lotus 1-2-
3 or dBase ID.
Cl.ll STATISTICAL SOFTWARE
There is one product supported by EPA to perform statistical analysis. It is considered die superior product in
the industry and is widely used.
SAS
The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is used to perform data analysis. The SAS system also has a data base
capability and graphical output capabilities. It is available on every piece of hardware supported by the EPA
except the Macintosh.
C1.12 TEXT SEARCHING
There is only one text searching system as such supported by the EPA. In this context text searching is more
than matching a string of characters, but also contains some capability to perform context searches of the text
BASIS
BASIS (Text Information Management System) is used for the retrieval, manipulation, and storage of full-text,
bibliographic and numeric data in either batch or on-line-mode. The major functional capabilities of BASIS
include: term and phrase searching via inverted indexes, variable length data elements and records, full
thesaurus capabilities and on-line son.
C1.13 WORD PROCESSING SYSTEMS
The EPA supports a variety of word processing systems but encourages and supports the use of WordPerfect as
the standard.
DISPLAYWRTTE4
Display Write 4 is an advanced word processing program for the personal computer that supports general corre-
spondence, multiple-page documents, technical documents, and statistical tables. Edit, insert,, delete, move.
copy and merge functions are supported. Hyphenation and spelling are checked automatically via a built-in
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dictionary. Automatic footnote processing and outline/section numbering are supported.
LEXTTYPE
Lexitype is a full-featured word processor with integrated mam, sorting, communications, and form letter merge
packages that runs on IBM compatible personal computers. Lexitype became popular at EPA as Lexitron word
processing machines were phased out of the Agency and personal computer's became the standard office
automation tool. Lexitype allowed users to use the personal computer's without being retrained in a new word
processing package.
MACWRTTE
MacWrite is a word processing tool available for the Apple Macintosh line. It offers a variety of fonts, sizes,
and typestyles. There is editing via insert text, edit by any text length, and search and replace whole or partial
words. Special features included are page location recorded on a vertical elevator, compatibility with graphics
from other Macintosh programs, the option to save a document as text only, and an undo function.
MULTIMATE
MultiMate is a powerful, easy-to-use word processor for IBM compatible personal computers that allows a wide
range of users to produce professional looking documents. It features a spell checker, thesaurus, auto-hyphena-
tion, context sensitive help, line and box drawing, and list management capabilities. There is a direct dBase
merge, plus easy import from Framework, RapidFile and Master Graphics files.m
WORD
Microsoft Word is a full-featured word processing package available for both IBM-compatible personal
computers and the Apple Macintosh. Its features include spell-check, thesaurus, spreadsheet-link, forms
support, macros, style sheets, glossary, print-merge, foot/endnotes, redlining, outline processor, lines, boxes and
borders.
WORDMARC
WordMARC consists of two word processing programs. WordMARC Author is a simple package suitable for
memos, letters and relatively unsophisticated reports. WordMARC Composer is a sophisticated package which
allows header, footers, etc. for more complicated documents. It also has a capability to handle mathematical
equations.
WORDPERFECT
WordPerfect Version 5 incorporates word processing features with graphic import capabilities. It allows the
user to create professional looking documents featuring columns, footnotes/endnotes, macros, merge, speller,
thesaurus, and many others. WordPerfect is the EPA standard for word processing, and is available for IBM-
compatible personal computers, the Apple Macintosh, and the DEC/VAX environment.
WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL
WordStar Professional offers IBM-compatible PC users a range of word processing capabilities from creating,
editing and proofreading documents to merging data and producing tables of contents and indexes. In addition
to WordStar, the Professional package includes MailMerge a text- and data-merging program; Corrects tar, a
spelling checker, and Starlndex. an index/table of contents builder.
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APPENDIX D - EPA HARDWARE DESCRIPTIONS
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APPENDIX D - EPA HARDWARE DESCRIPTIONS
Dl. EPA HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE
EPA has an extensive ADP environment consisting of mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and
terminals located throughout the agency. In addition, EPA has a nationwide data communications network in place
which enables EPA users throughout the country to access EPA computers and data. Figures D.I and D.2 depict the
agency's hardware and data communications configurations.
EPA's computing architecture is a three tier configuration. Each tier addresses the specific functions and
capabilities required by different user groups within the agency. The tiers are briefly described below.
Tier 1 is the platform for applications that have large data storage requirements or data that needs to be shared
with a national audience. It consists of the IBM 3090, the VAX cluster, and the E-mail Prime. All these computers are
located at RTF, North Carolina. Tier 1 is also for applications which use mainframe specific software such as AD ABAS
or BASIS. The IBM 3090 is for large applications that are non-scientific in nature. The VAX cluster, connected to the
laboratory sites nationwide using DEC/NET, is for scientific computing. The Primes are used as an E-MAIL host over
PRIME/NET.
The Tier 2 platform contains the regional and laboratory hardware. It consists of IBM 4381s, VAX 78X and
86XX series computers, and eventually, an additional midframe computer currently under procurement The 4381s, also
called "Logical Mainframes," act as gateways to the 3090. They also provide the power and storage capacity of a
mainframe for large regional applications. Each LMF site links to the IBM 3090 using IBM Systems Network Architec-
ture (SNA). The VAX systems are located at laboratory sites and are used for scientific computing. They are linked to
each other and the VAX Cluster at RTF via DEC/NET using the X.2S communications protocol. The new midframe will
complement the LMF and VAX systems in the regions, laboratories, and Headquarters environments. It will provide for
specific dedicated applications, such as CIS.
Tier 3 is the Agency's end-user environment It consists of 3270 terminals, ASCII terminals, personal comput-
ers, Macintoshs, and local area networks (LANs). The EPA standard local area network for administrative and non-
scientific professional functions is a token-ring network. On the token-ring, users can share EPA standard software such
as WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, PC SAS and dBASE III+. For laboratories, the standard local area network is Ethernet It
is used to connect personal computers. Macintoshes, and ASCII terminals to VAX computers.
D2. EPA HARDWARE DESCRIPTIONS
D2.1 MAINFRAMES
D2.1.1 The IBM 3Q90
The IBM 3090 is a mainframe computer which is capable of supporting large applications and many simultane-
ous users. The number of users supported depends on the application, but this system is capable of supporting hundreds
to thousands of users at a time. It is commonly accessed through use of a 3270-type terminal or a personal computer
with a 3270 emulation card. It may be accessed from any of the regions through the IBM SNA network.
D2.1.2 Logical Mainframes fLMFsl 4381
The Logical Mainframe (LMF) provides EPA Regional offices and major field sites access to the resources of
the IBM 3090. The LMF is an IBM 4381 which acts as a gateway, or front-end processor, to the 3090. It is also used for
the development and support of large regional applications.
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EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE
IBM
3090's
MVS/XA
PRODUCTION
DATA BASES
RTF
VAX
CLUSTER
VMS
SCIENTIFIC
COMPUTING
NATIONAL
SERVICES
E-MAIL
HOST
DIALCOM
PRIMOS
E-MAIL
SERVICE
LMF
IBM
4381
MVS/SP
R.O/CINN/LV
VAX78X
OR
VAX86XX
VMS
LAB SITES
NEW
MID
FRAME
R.O/LAB/HQ.
IBM 3174
CLUSTER
CONTROLLER
LANS AND LOCAL SITE SERVER]
Figure D.I - EPA Hardware Configuration
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EPA DATA COMMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE
ETHERNET
PRIMENET/X.25 SNA DECNET/X.25
Ascn I ASCH
NATIONAL .SNA
DATA
COMMUNICATION
NETWORK
PC PC PC
PC PC PC PC MAC
Figure D.2 - EPA Communications Configuration
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D2J MINICOMPUTERS
D2J.1 DEC/VAX Environment
The VAX family of processors ranges from high capacity mid-range systems to multi-user microcomputer
systems. Agency laboratories use the VAXs for scientific data collection, computing, and analysis. The X.25 network
links allJhe laboratory VAXs to the NDPD VAX cluster and to each other. A strength of the VAX line is the high
degree of compatibility between processors. Software developed for one machine may easily be transported and
installed on another member of the VAX family. This provides the capability of easily upgrading system capacity when
necessary. The VAX processors provide multi-user support ranging from 12 to 100 users depending upon the size of the
processor.
The standard operating system for the VAX processors is VMS. This operating system provides an environ-
ment which will support interactive time-sharing, batch applications, and on-line program development A UNIX based
operating system, ULTRIX-32, is available to support application software requiring a UNIX environment
VAX processors at RTF are linked together in a special configuration called a cluster. The cluster architecture
allows up to 16 processors to be connected together using special hardware called a star coupler. In the VAX cluster.
processing power is shared between processors and each processor has access to common data storage. The cluster
architecture allows the total processing power to be increased simply by adding another VAX computer. The cluster also
allows sharing of specialized hardware and software between many users.
VAX-11/7SQ
The VAX-11/750 is the midrange member of the VAX family. It can support a maximum of 64 users. This
model is the smallest member of the VAX line which can be added to a VAX cluster. (This restriction is removed with
version 5 of the VMS operating system.)
VAX-11/780
The V AX-11/780 meets the needs of users with large data bases and extensive processing requirements. It can
support up to 100 concurrent users. The VAX-11/780 supports a complete line of peripheral devices. It is compatible
with DEC'S Digital Network Architecture, Digital Storage Architecture, and the VAX cluster architecture.
VAX-11/78S
The VAX-11/785 is an upgraded version of the VAX-11/780 and is available in the same configuration. The
VAX-11/785 has more processing power, higher throughput, and supports more users.
VAX 8600
The VAX 8600 is the most powerful processor in the VAX line. This processor is over 4 times more powerful
than the VAX-11/780. The 8600 supports high speed processing for large applications. The VAX 86XX series cluster at
NDPD is capable of supporting hundreds of users and is used to process high-level, scientific applications.
MicroVAX IT
EPA laboratories use the MicroVAX for data acquisition. The MicroVAX II has half the power of the VAX-
11/780. It is also the lowest priced processor in the VAX line which uses Q-Bus architecture. This machine provides a
migration path to the VAX architecture while protecting an existing investment in Q-Bus peripherals. The MicroVAX II
may be used alone or be connected to a network or VAX cluster via Ethernet.
MicroVAX MOO
The MicroVAX 2000 is a low priced processor with the same performance as the MicroVAX II. The Mi-
croVAX 2000 will not support the Q-Bus architecture, but may participate in a VAX cluster and personal computer local
area networks. This processor will support up to 12 concurrent users and provides time sharing support.
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D2.2.2 Prime Environment
The EPA uses Prune minicomputers at the regional level to support the Agency's office automation functions -
especially E-mail. The Prime environment is not focused on the development of customized application programs. Each
Prime can support from 16 to 128 simultaneous users. The Primes are linked via the Primenet network over local area
network and WAN segments. Documents, flies, and printing can be moved from system to system easily.
D2J MICROCOMPUTERS
D2J.1 IBM-Compatible
IBM-compatibles, as defined here, are microcomputers such as the IBM PC-XT or the PC-AT. These machines
provide the platform for software services such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and project management tools.
The processors in this category are single user desktop machines. They may be customized to meet specific computing
needs of a user by installing specialized software packages. These machines are frequently connected to larger systems
to access common data flies or specialized software tools.
D23.2 Desktop Publishing
The Macintosh line of microcomputers is the Agency standard for Desktop Publishing applications. The Mac
Plus and the Mac SE are similar to the IBM PC-AT in computing power. The Macintosh's user-friendly graphical
interface and support for postscript laser printers make these machines ideal for desktop publishing, drawing, and
painting applications. The more powerful Mac II is also well suited to publishing tasks although the enhanced comput-
ing power is not required to support this application.
D2J.3 High Performance Workstations
High performance workstations meet the needs of applications requiring powerful processors. High perform-
ance workstations are used as local area network file servers, high performance graphics workstations, sophisticated
CAD/CAE workstations, and where multi-tasking, multi-user capabilities are needed. Processors in this category are
based upon the Intel 80386, the Motorola MC 68020, and the Motorola MC 68030. Microcomputers available at EPA in
this class are the IBM PS/2 model 80, the Sun 386i, and the Mac II.
D2.4 COMMUNICATIONS
A key element of the Agency's communications philosophy is that users have access to all computing resources
transparently. Users do not need to understand the physical location of computing resources. This communication plan
supports both the IBM SNA and X.2S environments. SNA is the network architecture for communication between the
Agency's mainframes and remote sites. The X.25 network supports VAX communications and sites not requiring the
full range of mainframe support.
Local Area Networks (LANs) are used to provide data and peripheral sharing between users within a depart-
ment, or regional office. Users on a local area network may share printers, modems, software, and access to Agency
mainframes and VAXs. Local area networks can be connected together by a bridge. A bridge is software that runs on
the file server or a workstation that permits communication between local area networks. Gateways give multiple users
on a local area network access to mainframe computers or VAXs.
D2.4.1 IBM Environment
The IBM communications environment centers around the SNA communications protocol. SNA is the
protocol used to access the first tier IBM mainframes as well as the second tier LMF machines. Users needing access to
the computers on these tiers would first access the National Data Communications Network which connects these
platforms via SNA. The SNA architecture supports the LU6.2 protocol which forms the basis for IBM's Advanced
Program to Program Communications facility (APPC). APPC allows personal computers to communicate with the
mainframe as a peer rather than a dumb terminal. APPC is IBM's basic building block for developing distributed
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applications.
D2.4.2 VAX Environment
Ethernet is the local area network used by EPA to connect personal computers and terminals to VAX comput-
ers. This is a bus architecture implemented on coaxial or fiber optic cable. Ethernet provides the platform on which
DEC/NET is run. DEC/NET is the generic term for VAX communications software. DEC/NET provides connectivity
between DEC computers in much the same way that SNA is used in the IBM environment. DEC/NET is also used on
the X.2S network to connect all Agency VAX computers.
D2.4.3 Prime Environment
Ethernet is also used in the Prime environment to connect personal computers and terminals to prime comput-
ers. Prime/Net is the communication software used to implement connectivity over Ethernet. Prime/Net offers network
services which include disk and printer sharing, E-mail, and remote login. Prime devices connect to the National Data
Communications Network using Prime/Net
D2.4.4 Personal Computer Environment
Personal Computers in non-laboratory environments at EPA are connected using the IBM token-ring local area
network. It provides the same type of services to the user as Ethernet does in laboratory environments. The network
operating system on the Agency token-ring local area networks is Novell's Advanced Netware. This software provides
the ability for sharing of software, storage devices, printers, and mainframe connectivity.
D2.4.5 Macintosh Environment
Macintosh microcomputers are connected using PhoneNET. PhoneNET is implemented using twisted pair
cabb'ng or phone line connections. The network operating system which runs on PhoneNET is Appletalk or TOPS.
TOPS is a sophisticated network operating system which allows the sharing of files between personal computers,
Macintoshes, and UNIX systems. Appletalk is the network operating system that is provided by Apple with Macintosh
computers.
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APPENDIX E SAMPLE OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEETS
AND
SUMMARY DATA QUESTIONNAIRE
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Inputs
Frequency volume
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Files
File Name
# of Records
Storage (Mb)
Total
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
System Outputs
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OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS WORKSHEET
General System Requirements
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SUMMARY DATA QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Who will be the audience for this system?
National
Regional
Departmental
Single User
2. Describe your environment:
Laboratory
Non-Laboratory
3. How many simultaneous users will the system have to support?
1 at a time
2-15
16-50
>50
4.**What is the maximum number of records that the system will have to manage or, what is the maximum amount of
storage the system will use?
< 10,000 records or 20 Megabytes of storage
10,000 < records < 50,000 or 100 Megabytes of storage
50,000 < records < 100,000 or 1 Gigabyte of storage
> 100,000 records or > 1 Gigabyte of storage
5. What hardware do users have access to at your location?
Macintosh
PC
LAN
Prime
VAX/VAX Cluster
LMF/3090
6. A. Is data accessed directly from other Agency Systems? If so, where does it reside:
IBM 3090
VAX Ouster
LMF
VAX
Prime
PC
Other
"File sizes should be an estimated maximum to be reached in 3-5 year period.
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B. If you have data coming from other Agency hardware, in what type of system does
the data reside?
ADABAS
Focus
Other Mainframe DBMS
Prime Information
dBase in
7. Report Requirements:
Adhoc reports (random retrieval)
Standard batch report runs (defined data paths)
8. Do you need specialized output devices?
Graphics Printers
Plotter
Other
9. System Response:
Reports: Onsite/Immediate
Batch/Overnight
On-Line Response Time in seconds: maximum
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