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An attempt is made to predict the developments of the next 25 years in the field of computer architecture. Standardized, inexpensive microcomputers on a single chip are predicted. These will be used extensively to provide logical functions for noncomputational devices and incidentally for the design of superscale computers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A program which makes possible creating, storing, reproducing, and editing functions of time is described. The functions are typical of those generated by human beings. Multiple functions (up to 1 4} are produced for long periods of time (up to several hours) at sufficiently high sampling rates to describe fast human reactions (up to 200 samples per second). The functions can be used for a variety of purposes such as the control of machine tools or sound synthesizers or anything a person normally controls. The program operates on a small computer (DDP-224). Functions are stored on a disk file. Functions may be created by real-time human inputs to the computer which can interact with already stored functions and computed functions. Real-time feedback from the process being controlled is an important link in the system. The environment for effective man-machine Interaction has been carefully nurtured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the success of International Business Machines (IBM) in the U.S. under the leadership of Thomas J. Watson Jr. as of June 1958. Topics discussed include increase in the gross revenues of the firm, the development of the company's electronic computer RAMAC 305 and the revenues it generated from rentals and service fees. Also mentioned are the upsurge in the firm's military business and the measures taken to find additional sources of cash and bring its debt down.

The article focuses on the impact of the consolidation of Penn Central Transportation and New York Central Railroad Co. on January 1968. It states that thousand of employees had to learn the new classification system after the merging of the two companies and the dispatchers at Chicago, Illinois with freight car were confused where they will turn over the personal computers (PC). It mentions that the consolidation has resulted to misdirected and lost cars due to paperwork errors.

The article looks at the growing importance of the role of the computer in the U.S. military as demonstrated by the Vietnamese conflict. The Army's supply system in Europe is using IBM 7010 and 1460 computers mounted in railroad cars to track stocked items. An IBM 360 computer system was installed in Marine base in Danang to handle supply scheduling. Both the Marines and the Army see the adoption of computers in the battlefield to process requests for supporting fire.

The article focuses on microcomputer and its demand in the U.S. It states that microcomputer is expected to account for the share of potential sales in 1973 and will be built into new products including communication terminals, scientific instruments, and slot machines. It mentions that microcomputer takes over the function of logic circuits or electromechanical components that create new products with wider capabilities. Moreover, it notes the impact of microcomputers on large computer systems.

This article presents various news items from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ACM members' official notification of the 1975 National Computer Conference will be held in Anaheim, California. There will be no mailing by AFIPS to individual ACM members. The recipient of the 1974 Grace Murray Hopper Award is George N. Baird of the Department of the Navy. Baird is cited for his successful development and implementation of the Navy's COBOL Compiler Validation System. The award will be presented at the opening session of ACM 74, in San Diego. Peter J. Denning has been appointed to the Publications Board by Chairman John Gosden. Denning fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Aaron Finerman when he became Treasurer of ACM Board. By election of the ACM Council, Smith Dorsey is the new ACM representative on the National Computer Conference Board of AFIPS. The NCC Board is the policy-making body responsible for site selection and planning for the annual AFIPS sponsored National Computer Conference.

The article reports on the development of minicomputer market in the U.S. in 1974. It mentions that Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) introduces its low priced microcomputer on-a-board, called the PDP-8A. Meanwhile, USM Corp. is developing a low cost industrial sewing machine in which the microcomputer replaces a mechanical cam allowing user to quickly change the program.

An interview with scientific computer manufacturer Control Data Corp. chairman and president William C. Norris is presented. Norris explains that his company has not switched their orientation but that their scientific computers are penetrating the business world as business data processing becomes more than record-keeping in 1965. When asked about the cause of their decline in earnings, he cites the shift of customers from outright purchases to leasing of equipment as the major factor.

The article offers information on various products introduced as of January 2, 1954 including the desk-top analog computer produced by computer and radar system manufacturer Reeves Instrument Corp. and the all-steel mast developed by rehabilitation services and asset management solutions provider Utility Service Co.

The article discusses the shift by Bell Labs to small computers. It cites Max V. Mathews of the Behavioral & Statistical Research Center as a strong proponent of minicomputers whose staff uses several minis in studies of speech, hearing and perception. It indicates reasons for the popularity of minicomputers in research laboratories including its quick response to human operator, it is cheaper to operate and its internal hardware can be physically change the scientist using it. It points to mathematicians who derive the least benefit from computers.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including one about the decision of the Circuit Court on the case of Texas Gulf Sulphur, another on " Mapping the earth by computer" in the October 5, 1968 issue, and "The giant mergers," in the October 5, 1968 issue.

Presents the author's comments on data communication problem. Information that a computer specialist a step or two away from the computer, communications juncture can add a new term to his vocabulary, microwave, because the microwave radio technique is shaping up as the next controversial method for transmitting computer information; Report that the seed for the microwave controversy was planted when Federal Communication Commission (FCC) eased its rules on the eligibility of non-common carriers for microwave authorization; Focus on the plan of Microwave Communications Inc.; Description of the FCC's eventual decision on MCI's application.

Offers a look at the truth behind the rumors that swept political conventions in the U.S. in 1968. Appointment of Billy Graham as Secretary of Religion in the new cabinet post; Plans of Senator Eugene McCarthy to assume the office of President Lyndon Johnson; Information on the computer that wrote the Republican platform.

The article talks about information-display systems which translates data from computers into understandable form. General Dynamics has developed display systems to hunt submarines, and analyze the radiation influx in the heart of a nuclear reactor. One system is being tested for local air traffic control.

The article reports on the series of corporate acquisitions by computer company Control Data Corp. (CDC) in a bid to boost its talent who are capable to develop and produce business and industrial computer systems. Figures show the sales posted by CDC for the year ended June 30, 1965. CDC Vice President for Marketing Development James G. Miles explains the move as a personnel requisition. The acquisitions is said to have involved the exchange of high-priced CDC stock.

The article looks at the investment strategy of venture capital firm American Research and Development Corp.'s (ARD) president Georges F. Doriot as of October 15, 1969. Topics reviewed include Doriot's investing in computer manufacturer Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) and its small computers manufacturing.

The article offers information on the 1700 computer system of Control Data Corp. It says that the company expects their product to give them an edge in the industrial computer market. It says that the computer is the size of a desk which belongs to the small computer category, costs 28,000 dollars, and can process over 400,000 instructions per second. Control Data board chairman and president William C. Norris says it could extend their product line and can open their market for new customers.

The article focuses on the production of the tiny all-transistorized LGP-21 computer which costs 19,500 dollars or rents for 425 dollars a month by General Precision Inc. after selling hundreds of LGP-30s.

The article offers information on the NCR 390 small computer from National Cash Register Co.

This section offers business news briefs. The U.S. automobile industry increased five-month sales by more than five percent in May 1972. The U.S. Federal Reserve has ruled that bank holding companies are not allowed to have affiliates in the management consulting business to prevent possible conflicts of interest. Burroughs Corp. has introduced its 1700 line of small- to medium-sized computers.

The article focuses on the inspiration on the comic strip, "Steve Canyon," published by Artist Milton Caniff. The publisher notes that "Time" magazine's issue on the automatic computing machine Mark III inspired him to do the comic strip. Steve Canyon is about an American traitor named Ganglia who was trying to turn the machine over to the Russians in far-off China.

The article discusses the inexpensive minicomputer which has made it feasible to computerize smaller chunks of computer. It indicates that 5,000 minicomputers are operating on factory floors today and computerizing a factory now starts at the bottom where a plant can start with at least one minicomputers and work up to a comprehensive system. It points out that computers are replacing electromechanical reporting systems with more than 1,000 plants have hooked computers to data collection terminals among work stations.

The article highlights the controversy surrounding the U.S. Air Force's awarding of a contract worth around 114 million U.S. dollars to International Business Machines (IBM) for 150 computers. Honeywell Inc. and other losers have charged that the contract is wasteful and improper. Honeywell, whose bid is estimated at 60 million U.S. dollars lower than the IBM bid, has requested the General Accounting Office (GAO) to probe the case. A possible antitrust violations by IBM is also being studied.

The author reflects on the biblical aspects of using computers. He stresses that the use of electronic computers without common sense and restraint may lead users to trouble. He highlights an article in the "Times" periodical reporting that Reverend A. Q. Morton, a minister of the Church of Scotland, used a computer in demonstrating, but his room was filled with charts and graphs which he had drawn up by hand. He discusses the results of the analysis of Morton's writings.