Someone in DC try selling Ada to State Department

Someone in DC try selling Ada to State Department

[Gregory Aharonian]

   I just received a memo outlining plans at the Department of State to
develop an Open Systems environment for computing for their people.  It
is the typical requirements list:  Windows, client/server, TCP/IP, LANs,
X.400 and X.500, SQL, database engine, CASE tools, and Intel chips.

   Not much is mentioned about programming languages, except for one clause:

	"Additional tool kits for these databases will need to be
	supported, including a GUI-oriented BASIC program, software
	development kit or kits appropriate for the chosen CUI,	
	and a robust C++ compiler.  These tools are necessary to
	provide API access and integration betweek desktop applications
	and corporate server-based databases.

	The memo was dated February 1993, so I assume that their options
are still being considered.
============================================

    A couple of points.  First, someone in the Washington DC area should
contact the State Department, and start making a pitch that they use Ada
as part of their systems.  The contact point is Mike Washburn, who is
heading up the migration effort.  His phone is 202-736-7279.  Ideally,
this would be a great use of the Ada Business Council I suggested, which
could assemble a task force to make a presentation to State to get them
to consider Ada.  I hope some of the Ada vendors and tool people will
contact him. 

   Second, something for the SigAda people to think about.  I doubt highly
if this Mr. Washburn has any plans to attend Tri-Ada, or has even thought
or heard about Tri-Ada (or any of his employees).  Most likely he will be
going to the software industry tradeshows and conferences (that I am always
posting about) where the Ada industry never shows up.  Yet it is at this
juncture in time when thir minds are most open to new ideas and an Ada
pitch.  By banning things like Tri-Ada and forcing the Ada industry to
mainstream, maybe we will catch more of these people in their decision mode
and get them to adopt Ada.  People attending these shows want a variety of
technologies to choose from - they aren't going to get that at a Tri-Ada,
but they will get that at the industry tradeshows and conferences, shows
where Ada is never seen.

-- 
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 Greg Aharonian                                      srctran@world.std.com
 Source Translation & Optimization                            617-489-3727
 P.O. Box 404, Belmont, MA 02178