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TO:@\Sharon Trohon, Rita Wiseman

FROM:@\Ian Busch

SUBJ:@\Aachu II Program

DATE:@\29 November, 1989

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@b(@u(Current Status))

Over the last term, the Athena Cluster has experienced a significant rise in usage due, in part, to the higher visability of Project Athena to graduate students.  This rate of increase may be expected to continue.  The athena cluster has been utilized to the extent that people are already being turned away for lack of terminals.  This situation normally does not occur until the very end of the semester.  

Starting in January the new paper policy will be in effect.  This is rumored to allow 700 sheets January 1 - September 1, and a $0.10 charge for each additional sheet.  As soon as the software is implemented, the OE cluster will have the opportunity to set similar limits.  I would currently recommend a $0.05 charge for sheets above 1000 per semester.  Current actual costs are in the area of 2-1/2 cents per sheet [see Attachment 1].  The most recent information indicates that CAD may not be incorporated onto Athena until some point later than anticipated, hopefully in the spring.

@b(@u(User Needs))

Due to the increased number of users, and recurring problems with broken terminals, we should take advantage of the prospect of getting new equipment from Athena in the near future.  In addition, there have been recommendations that we should procure a digitizer for use with both existing applications programs and the new CAD system.  Additionally, there are programs that some users use that greatly benefit from the use of color terminals, and these may be forthcoming.  Finally, users have indicated a desire to be able to transfer data via the 3-1/2 inch disks used by IBM/PS2's.  The latest Athena terminals can do this. 

@b(@u(Proposed Direction))

Very soon Athena will, in all probability, be updating the cluster with new equipment.  This would involve:

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Removals/Conversion:@\Additions

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5 VaxStation 2/RC's@\6 VaxStation 3100's

1 VS/2 to printer server@\3 Color Vaxstation 3100's


In addition, some 4 desks will need to be procured.  We should have a sufficient number of chairs.  These acquisitions represent an investment of roughly $78,000 (not including labor) by Athena in new (and more maintainable) facilities, and require a departmental supporting investment of $1420 [Attachment 2].  For the anticipated room arrangement, see Attachment 3.  I believe the purchase of a digitizer should be delayed until a formal CAD system is at least in the development testing stage by Athena, but that roughly $2500 should be reserved for procuring each of one or two digitizers in the next year.

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@b(@u(Attachments:))

1: Paper Costs

2: Equipment Costs

3: Room Arrangement

4: Current Room Arrangement
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