Horizons in computer system design
Walter F. Bauer · 1960
"Computer system design", or using the new phrase "computer organization design", has not received nearly the attention that the design of circuitry and components has received. Circuitry and component development tend to provide the user with higher operating speeds at lower cost but do not necessarily provide the user with a system easily adaptable to his particular needs. There is a great need for computers which can be adapted, as a total system, to the particular needs of the user. The changing needs of the user result from considering the computer as one part of a larger information handling system where man-machine communication is of great importance. There are a number of trends in the organization of computers such as concurrent operation, modularity, control hierarchy, and integral interrogation and display, which help meet the needs of these more sophisticated applications. Analysis shows some of the benefits of modular design. In addition to the design of the computers themselves, the analysis techniques for investigating the application, are appearing. These involve queuing theory and the development of methodologies for information systems analysis and the evaluation of computer applications.