Abstract

NCAR is currently operating an AMPEX Terabit Memory (TBM)* system. This system was purchased for 1.1 million dollars, installed in March of 1976, and placed into full operation by February 1977. During the subsequent years, over two million dollars has been spent in system upgrades. The final $300,000 upgrade is currently underway. The system is currently managing approximately 9 × 10¹² bits. The application for optical disk data storage that NCAR would be interested in pursuing at this time would be phased over the following sequence of events:

• Installation of an initial optical disk product connected to a CRAY-1A computer and the subsequent procurement of additional hardware capability for the purpose of building a new MSS capability.

• Designate the TBM as a READ ONLY device within the NCAR local network and commence the offload procedure, whereby all good data existing on the TBM is copied onto the optical disk MSS (ODMSS). This activity would be in addition to the normal operation of the ODMSS.

• Continually provide for system upgrades through the late 1980s and early 1990s to develop an MSS node on the local network. This node will provide data management and data storage capabilities for planned future computing enhancements which are projected to be 10 to 50 times the capability of the current CRAY-1A.

© 1983 Optical Society of America