Personal Computer Environment for Minicomputer Users

by Charles S. Hodge, Boyle Engineering Corp, Newport, Beach, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computing in Civil Engineering

Abstract:

Users find that personal computers can perform most functions previously available only on minicomputers or even mainframe computers. Companies have an imbedded investment in existing minicomputer equipment that is still adequate. Yet minicomputers don't have all the applications that are available on personal computers. Users feel that personal computers don't cost them as much as a minicomputer. Cost analyses show that PC's are not as inexpensive as users believe. This dichotomy of loyalty, minicomputer versus personal computer, is examined in this paper. Quality control, program distribution, technical support, maintenance, software reliability, cost control, and other problems are discussed in this paper along with some possible techniques to make the transition less traumatic.

Subject Headings: Computing in civil engineering | Benefit cost ratios | Quality control | Computer software | Computer analysis | Consulting services | Maintenance and operation

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