Update of Mass Storage Systems from the User’s Point of View

Abstract

In 1985, procurements by the Army and Air Force of automated engineering storage and retrieval systems are underway: DSREDS, the Army system (Digital Storage and Retrieval Engineering Data System), and EDCARS, the Air Force system (Engineering Data Computer Assisted Retrieval System). AT&T is the contractor; Alpharel is the major subcontractor. DSREDS and EDCARS establish complete drawing, storage and retrieval systems for these sevices and will facilitate the distribution of bid packages. The first installation will be at MICOM at the Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, and the second at SM/ALC at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. Ten other installations will follow. The program includes twelve sites, each requiring approximately 25 terminals, the capacity to store 400 gigabytes, and 400 gigabyte backup, with aperture card scanners, page scanners, large scale scanners, and computer output microfilm (COM) and hardcopy capabilities. Because the DSREDS/EDCARS system is so significant and embodies all attributes of an outstanding automated drawing system, a brief description of it will be given here.