Ada in modeling

Ada in modeling

["HSDP1::LONGRA"]

Hello Netters,

I need your help.  I'm new to computer modelling (queing algorithms, etc)
and would like some information from you.  I have someone under contract
to develop some models for the DoD.  They contend that Ada is the worst
language that we could make them use for the project.  They back this up
with outdated studies that, essentially, run down Ada compiler performance
and execution speed - with very little specifics on why it's not a good
modelling language.  They, if they get their wish, they will use one of the
simulation languages such as Simula.  PLEASE, anyone with both modelling
and Ada experience out there give me your views on this subject.  I will
summarize on the net if there is enough interest to do so.

Please note that I am not naive enough to think that Ada is the do-all,
know-all, see-all language.  That is far from the truth.  I have used the
LISP environments for rapid prototyping in the past and LOVED it.  I feel
that, in the ideal situation, the application should dictate the language.
But, with the DoD moving rapidly to Ada and all that goes with that move
(maintenance being the biggie), we need to take a good look at Ada and only
rule it out if it absolutely makes no sense for a given application.

Enough of my going on.  Any help would be appreciated.

Rick Long
LONGRA@HQHSD.BROOKS.AF.MIL
(LONGRA@BAFB-DDNVAX.ARPA if the first doesn't work)
*****************************************************************