From mboxrd@z Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 1970 X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.4.5-pre1 (2020-06-20) on ip-172-31-74-118.ec2.internal X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Status: No, score=-0.0 required=3.0 tests=BAYES_40 autolearn=ham autolearn_force=no version=3.4.5-pre1 Date: 27 Aug 93 21:51:13 GMT From: world!srctran@uunet.uu.net (Gregory Aharonian) Subject: Someone in DC try selling Ada to State Department Message-ID: List-Id: 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. -- ************************************************************************** Greg Aharonian srctran@world.std.com Source Translation & Optimization 617-489-3727 P.O. Box 404, Belmont, MA 02178