SFM: synchronizing forms manager

Abstract

This paper describes a system being developed at Kansas State University to support the flow of intelligent forms through a local area network of microcomputers. The intelligent form is briefly described along with the supporting network architecture. The proposal is presented that a new software device is required to handle the flow of forms, the Synchronizing Forms Manager. This software will have a combination of operating system and compiler functions and will manage communications between computers, trigger and handle dynamic priority updates of forms, keep system maps, synchronize system clocks, and perform translation of form commands. The Synchronizing Forms Manager (SFM) is described with its associated data structures, operations, and syntax. Further research efforts are discussed with their implications for the office environment.