Distributed data processing

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Distributed data processing [1] (DDP) [2] was the term that IBM used for the IBM 3790 (1975) and its successor, the IBM 8100 (1979). Datamation described the 3790 in March 1979 as "less than successful." [3] [4]

Contents

Distributed data processing was used by IBM to refer to two environments:

Each pair included a Telecommunications Monitor and a Database system. [5] The layering involved a message, containing information to form a transaction, which was then processed by an application program. [6] Development tools such as program validation services were released by IBM to facilitate expansion. [7]

Use of "a number of small computers linked to a central computer" [1] permitted local [8] and central processing, each optimized at what it could best do. Terminals, [9] including those described as intelligent, typically were attached locally, [10] to a "satellite processor." [11] Central systems, sometimes multi-processors, grew to handle the load. [12] Some of this extra capacity, of necessity, is used to enhance data security. [13] Years before open systems made its presence felt, the goal of some hardware suppliers was "to replace the big, central mainframe computer with an array of smaller computers that are tied together." [14]

Lower case distributed data processing

Hadoop [15] adds another term to the mix: File System. Tools added for this use of distributed data processing include new programming languages.

TSI/DPF Flexicom

In 1976 [16] Turnkey Systems Inc (TSI)/DPF Inc. introduced a hardware/software telecommunications front-end to off-load some processing that handled distributed data processing. Named Flexicom, [17] The CPU was IBM-manufactured, and it ran (mainframe) DOS Rel. 26, with Flexicom's additions. Of four models available, the smallest had the CPU of a 360/30.

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "Northern Telecom's Setback". The New York Times . January 21, 1981.
  2. Ernest E. Keet (October 1977). "Distributed data processing: the key is software". Data Communications.
  3. Woods, Larry (March 1979). "IBM's 8100: First Impressions". Datamation.
  4. "(which can simulate 3790 functions through the DPCX operating system)"
  5. 1 2 Ronald G. Ross. "IBM's Distributed Processing Capabilities For Large-Scale Data Base Systems, Part 1". Computerworld .
  6. 1 2 Ronald G. Ross. "IBM's Distributed Processing Capabilities For Large-Scale Data Base Systems, Part 2". Computerworld .
  7. Ronald A. Frank (July 16, 1975). "The 3790: A Glimpse Into IBM's Future Plans?". Computerworld. Vol. 9, no. 29. IDG Enterprise. p. 15. ISSN   0010-4841.
  8. "I.B.M. Displays New Processor". The New York Times . June 23, 1983.
  9. "Motorola to acquire computer maker". The New York Times . December 11, 1981.
  10. Jay Bryan (October 21, 1979). "Mr. Fixit of Northern Telecom". The New York Times .
  11. Peter J. Schuyten (February 4, 1979). To Clone a Computer.{{cite book}}: |newspaper= ignored (help)
  12. "Honeywell's New Computer". The New York Times . October 15, 1982.
  13. Peter J. Schuyten (September 27, 1979). "Technology". The New York Times .
  14. Steven Greenhouse (May 19, 1987). "Challenge for Honeywell Bull". The New York Times .
  15. "Distributed data processing with Hadoop, Part 3". IBM . July 14, 2010.
  16. William D. Smith (November 17, 1976). "I.B.M. Starting Series 1 System To Enter Minicomputer Market". The New York Times . DPF Inc. introduced a new data communications system called Flexicom
  17. "A Flexicom Friend". The Irish Times .