Re: "C" and Ada

["VAXID1::VAXID1::MRGATE::\"A1::TUFFS1\"@atc.alcoa.COM"]

From:	NAME: P. S. TUFFS                   
	FUNC: PCCT (16)               
	TEL: (412) 337 2946       <TUFFS1 AT A1 AT VAXID1>

An article from "ihnp4!wlbr!etn-rad!jru" (I don't know who this is since 
no name or paper address was given) comments:

> ... Don't expect to see ADA used very widely outside of the DOD 
>environment... 

and goes on to argue that the reasons for this are that IBM dominates 
the commercial sectors and that COBOL will therefor remain the dominant 
language.  Probably true, I don't have too much feel for the business 
end of the commercial sector.  However, I feel compelled to add that I 
noted with joy the apparent endorsement of Ada by IBM, when they adopted 
a third party Ada compiler.  This seems to me, a dedicated *non* IBM 
user, an indication that even IBM will adapt under pressure from the 
largest procurer of computer systems in the world, the Department of 
Defense.

One more point, before you all die of boredom.  There is a large 
installed base of computer systems in the commercial sector, programmed 
and used by Engineers who think that COBOL is some kind of radioactive 
isotope.  Most of the computers they use have been programmed in 
FORTRAN, and I sincerely hope that Ada will replace FORTRAN in the 
engineering sector.

Finally, how many organizations still believe in "roll-your-own" 
software from the ground up?  My perception is that the commercial 
sector is adopting packages such as Lotus for some of their business 
work, and as these packages become better, surely they or something like 
them will replace COBOL.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
HANDLE: Simon Tuffs
CSNET:  TUFFS@ATC.ALCOA.COM
PAPER:  P.S.Tuffs, Alcoa Technical Center, Alcoa Center, Pa 15069
AT&T:   (412) 337 2946

Disclaimer:  These ideas are mere ramblings, and if they bear any 
relationship with reality I will be extremely surprised.  They do not 
necessarily represent the views of my organization (but maybe one day 
they will).