Defense Integrated Data System (DIDS) Computer System Analysis,

The Defense Integrated Data System DIDS at the Defense Logistics Services Center DLSC is designed to provide logistics data services for logistics managers in various functional areas. DIDS is designed to make the logistics management of defense items more effective through centralized processing of the workload, rapid response to inquiries, and exhaustive screening of logistics data to maximize the utilization of current inventory items and reduce the introduction of redundant items into the inventory. The DIDS computer system is a large scale, centralized, multiprocessor system that utilizes a functionally integrated data base of some 8 billion characters, and processes about 2.5 million transactions monthly. It includes two Burroughs 6700 computer systems and one IBM 36065J computer system. DIDS is experiencing difficulties meeting current workload requirements, and there is growing concern over its efficiency and capacity. In view of these difficulties, a request has been submitted to augment DIDS computer equipment to alleviate both current and near-term capacity limitations. This study assesses whether the additional hardware requested would solve the alleged DIDS efficiency andor capacity problem or whether the present hardware is adequate, but must be utilized more effectively.