Information structures
M. E. D'Imperio · ACM SIGMOD Record · 1969
Report to X34. This area is a fruitful area for standardization activities at some levels, but standardization in the classical sense is not the simple full answer.The development of a collection of tools and techniques, means of evaluating them, means of selecting the appropriate ones for an environment, means of describing the environment all must be developed.Included in this collection will be standards (as there are already --USASCII for example).The technical areas require considerably more work before any meaningful approach can be taken.This may be accomplished in many ways.A standardization activity to monitor developments and initiate activity whenever standardization within an area becomes potentially fruitful is desirable.The problem of separating the problem into areas more amenable to attack must be addressed by a collection of people conversant in the area.The services of the newly formed ACM SIC File Description and Transformation (SICFIDET) have been offered to perform developmental work, and this is one area in which it might fruitfully pursue activities.Well defined developmental activities, which are not being done other places, should be initiated, but I cannot suggest how within the standards framework.The problems of communication should be pursued by the establishment of journals, newsletters, symposia, and conferences --all aimed at creating an atmosphere in which exchange of ideas and information can take place readily, rapidly, and without prejudice.This is also an area in which professional bodies, such as the new ACM SICFIET, will be active.Ways of encouraging and supporting those activities should be pursued.Enough of a standards framework should be established to monitor activities when necessary and to provide guidance to the computing community in areas related to potential development of standards.