SCD FY97 Annual Scientific Report

Small systems support

In early calendar 1997 after an extended evaluation, SCD chose to standardize administrative computing platforms on "Wintel" technologies (Microsoft Windows operating systems and Intel microprocessor desktop systems). A new group, the Office Systems Group (OSG), was formed during the spring of 1997 in the High Performance Systems (HPS) Section to support and maintain these systems. The staff for this new group was consolidated from two other sections of SCD who had heretofore been responsible for the installation, administration and maintenance of desktop systems. This restructuring put all SCD staff responsible for systems administration, maintenance and development into a single section (HPS).

The main thrust of OSG activity over the last year was in phasing out Macintosh systems in favor of Wintel-based desktops and laptops. Initial replacement was focused on machines used by administrative support personnel in various SCD sections. Over time, this will help create a unified office-computing environment where documents and media can be readily exchanged and shared. To accomplish the transition from Macintosh to Wintel systems, OSG has standardized a suite of software applications and supported hardware configurations.

The following standard software is being acquired and installed with new SCD administrative desktop systems:

Additional software supported by OSG and installed on an as-needed basis includes:

Since OSG's evolution, there have been over 200 outstanding work requests completed. This accomplishment has allowed many SCD staff members to accelerate their own projects, boosting total productivity within the division. The change of direction from Macintosh standalone systems to Wintel-based clients supported by a server will help growth and production in the future.

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