Information management system: Interactive information management systems

Abstract

This paper and the following three describe computer systems to store, retrieve, and manipulate information. These have all utilized time-shared computer systems. All have evolved toward a system constructed of modular component parts and having a high degree of user interaction. Considerable attention has been given to implementation in a form suitable for simple transfer to systems of adequate capability with minimal programming effort. The data bases involved are all hierarchical in organization. The major parts are a language facility, a data base manager, a processing package, and numerous coordinated administration functions. The parts are currently assembled into a package which can be applied to an arbitrary hierarchically structured data base with little user effort. The component parts are also available for integration into more tailored systems for special applications.