Micros through mainframes
Leslie Maltz · 1983
Historically universities took their early steps in computing through the acquisition of mainframe computer systems. These early machines were used primarily for academic and research purposes. During the last decade we saw an increased demand for computing services for student applications, research, and administrative purposes. To meet this demand and to bring the systems closer to the users, many of us expanded capacities through the introduction of decentralized facilities. These took the form of mini and supermini computers to be used as dedicated systems, located in academic and administrative departments. While these decentralized systems were most effective, we found that we still could not keep up with the demand for computing facilities. The next natural step was to further decentralize through the introduction of microcomputer systems.