C:\NOAA1\NA509106.FIN.html

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                                          NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
                                                          Silver Spring, Md. 20910
                                                          May 9, 1991                                         W/MB33

This Chapter is issued to establish National Weather Service (NWS) policy for office automation (OA). It also provides guidelines for the procurement of OA technology (hardware and software), and its implementation throughout the NWS.

1. Introduction. This chapter presents the National Weather Service (NWS) policy and guidelines for the acquisition and use of office automation (OA) technology throughout the NWS.

The NWS OA policy and guidelines resulted from a long-term effort by an NWS-wide OA Working-Advisory Group (WAG). The WAG is composed of NWS personnel from the Financial Management Centers (FMC) and special NWS groups -- Transition Program Office and Joint System Program Office (JSPO). The WAG is chaired by the NWS Information Systems Section (ISS) (see Appendix A). Several Special Interest Groups (SIG) were organized to identify, discuss, and resolve various hardware and software issues within OA at NWS. These SIGs reported and recommended guidelines to the NWS OA WAG.

These guidelines cover topics on OA equipment and software, including local area networks (LAN), desktop publishing, specialized OA equipment, and software for handicapped NWS employees. Areas including training, security, software licensing, and maintenance agreements are addressed.

2. NWS Office Automation (OA) Policy. The NWS-wide OA policy is to ensure a wise selection and systematic implementation of advanced OA technology. This will assure that NWS information and data handling, program management, and administrative and clerical functions will be conducted effectively and efficiently.

NWS stresses that micro- and/or minicomputer resources acquired for OA have the capability to interconnect with a wide range of computer resources. Through this interconnectivity, the various existing and planned OA equipment for the NWS can be linked effectively. This, in turn, will allow interchange of electronic mail, documents, and data files within NWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Department of Commerce (DOC). There are some minicomputer configurations (i.e., Prime and VAX) used with OA. These systems provide such OA functions as electronic mail and data base management facilities in addition to centralized word processing.

NWS policy forbids the use of nonlicensed software. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that this policy is upheld. Demonstration and evaluation packages are to be used for those purposes only. Shareware packages, if used, should be considered the same as commercial software packages. Site licenses and group purchases are available with most shareware and some commercial software, which may make the software economical to use in an office or group.

Requirements analysis is a necessity when a system or systems are to be replaced and/or upgraded. The needs of the user and OA can only be satisfied when the system is able to do its part as a tool. These needs determine the software which, in turn, will define the hardware required. Some new software packages will not operate in the personal computer (PC) or XT environment.

3. NWS OA Guidelines. These guidelines serve as a baseline for planning, acquiring, and implementing advanced OA capabilities throughout NWS. Adherence to these guidelines will ensure compatibility among the various NWS organizations and will ultimately provide "connectivity" of OA equipment and software throughout NWS.

These OA guidelines are directed primarily to microcomputer configurations, but are not limited to them, since microcomputers have proven utility and are cost-effective in supporting OA within the NWS.

3.1 Equipment Guidelines. This section presents the guidelines for OA equipment, such as microcomputers and associated peripherals (e.g., printers and optical scanners).

3.1.1 Central Processor Unit (CPU). The CPU should employ IBM-compatible technology. This can be the "AT bus" standard or the Personal System 2 (PS/2) with either "AT bus" or micro channel architecture (MCA). Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) is in the proving stage now. This design allows for either "AT bus" cards, MCA, or cards specifically developed for EISA. Interconnectivity is the guiding factor in system selection.

3.1.2 Main Memory. Main memory requirements vary depending on the software requirements and on the CPU system selected. In the present environment, 640 kilobytes (KB) of memory will allow system use as a stand-alone work station for all general OA applications. It also allows work station LAN drivers or LAN shells to be loaded.

3.1.3 Operating System Software. Operating system software is dependent upon the hardware configuration and capabilities. For Intel-based CPU (8086, 8088, 80286, 80386, etc.) PCs, the recommended operating system is PC-DOS Version 3.3 and MS-DOS Version 3.21 or greater. The released PC-Version 4.0 has errors and is not fully compatible with earlier versions. The purchasing of MS/PC-DOS 4.x should be delayed until the "bugs" have been eliminated. Depending on the system configuration and system use, PC-DOS Versions 2.1 and 3.1 are also acceptable.

For IBM PS/2 with MCA and compatibles, the recommended operating system is PC-DOS Version 3.3 at this time. OS/2 is not recommended because it can only be used with microcomputers equipped with 80286 or 80386 CPUs and at least 3 megabytes (MB) of memory. This limitation precludes its use on most existing OA NWS work stations. Although OS/2 features multitasking, it is not a multiuser system. The recommended configuration for OS/2 is an 80386 system with 5 MB of memory. The OS/2 Issue Paper prepared by, and available from, the ISS shows that OS/2 is not cost-effective for use in OA. The various versions of OS/2 have different capabilities and are incompatible.

UNIX System V, Version 3.2, or later, should be strongly considered for use where feasible (e.g., LAN servers and work station groups). This provides for multitasking and multiuser capabilities where needed and/or required. UNIX System V Version 3.2 is currently the only operating system for work stations and microcomputers meeting the Portable Operating System Interface [portable operating system interface (POSIX) - 1003.1) standards.

3.1.4 Peripheral Devices (e.g., Printers, Plotters, Scanners). A large variety of peripheral devices exists for the various PCs. Selection will depend on the requirements for the work station(s) involved. NWS does not impose any standard device in this area. Appendix B is a listing of known peripherals used for OA within the NWS.

3.1.5 Telecommunications Equipment and Software (e.g., Modem and Protocol). The most commonly used modems (internal and external) are the HAYES and HAYES-compatible 1200 and 2400 baud. Other Hayes-compatible modems in use at NWS are Racal-Vadic and U.S. Robotic's Courier. Appendix C provides a discussion of modems and communications software.

3.1.6 Disk (Hard and Floppy) Equipment. As the initiallyequipped hard disks fail, they have been replaced with hard disks providing a 20 MB storage capacity. It is not practical to recommend a particular hard disk drive since the prices and availability differ drastically from area to area. Fuji and the new Seagate 100 series hard disk drives have proven very reliable. Caution must be used to ensure that the replacement hard disk drives be direct replacements or include a matching controller card.

It is advisable to change power supplies (150 watts recommended) when upgrading or replacing a microcomputer system with a hard disk in an IBM PC, XT, or IBM-compatible microcomputer.

Floppy disk drive replacements and upgrades can easily be accomplished. With proper controller card(s), 1.2 MB floppy disk drives can be added to PC and XT microcomputers. The 3.5-inch floppy disk drives can be added as either external or internal units. The requirements for controller cards vary with the type of floppy drive to be replaced and/or added. It is best to determine the need before purchasing disk drives and controllers.

External 5.25 inch floppy disk drives are available for the new IBM PS/2 series microcomputers. Floppy drives are available which can read and write to either 360 KB or 1.2 MB capacity 5.25 inch floppy diskettes. There are external and internal 3.5 inch floppy drives for the PC & XT microcomputers, which can read 720 KB and 1.44 MB capacity diskettes. These drives will provide the needed data exchange compatibility with IBMs PS/2 and PC/XT/AT-type microcomputers.

Bernoulli boxes, a cross between hard disks and large floppy drives, are more expensive than most hard disks. They have proven practical in securing, storing, and exchanging large quantities of data. They can prove useful as a backup device on a LAN server (although not all LAN software supports a Bernoulli box). They do require interface cards and are not practical to use as a "pass-around" backup device.

3.1.7 Magnetic Tape Equipment. Magnetic tape equipment, for use with the IBM PCs, serves as backup for such peripheral devices as hard disks. There are no known 9-track magnetic tape units currently in use within NWS-with PCs.

3.1.8 Backup and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Equipment. Currently, NWS is using Alloy MT-25 and Alloy MT-60 tape units for backup of hard disks. Both of these tape units have performed well for backing up IBM/XT hard disks. They do not require an interface card when used with PCs, XTs, or compatibles with an external floppy drive connector.

Interface cards are required for both the 80286-based and 80386-based microcomputers. Software used for creating back ups on floppy diskettes can prove to be less expensive, especially if a high density floppy drive is added to the microcomputer system. Internal backup tape units are available, but expensive. They can be cost-effective in a stand-alone work station environment and for LAN servers.

No known UPS equipment is currently being used within NWS on OA work stations. UPS equipment is recommended for use with LAN servers (micro- and minicomputers) and for any computer systems that require 24-hour operation.

All work stations should be equipped with electrical surge protectors. These should also detect and protect against low voltage. The quality of electrical power is the major

NOTE: The latest version of any software may not be the recommended one(s). Situations may occur where a specific version may be required for compatibility and to work with current data bases and software.

The Central Administrative Support Center (CASC) has employed the Calendar Creator Plus by PowerUp on its Banyan servers with great success (about $50 a copy). WordPerfect Office is used by NOAA's Executive Secretariat.

3.2.1 Word Processing Software. The NOAA Standards Committee has adopted WordPerfect 5.0 for NOAA in an effort to promote compatibility between OA systems. To hasten procurement and to provide cost benefits, a "Large Account Purchase Agreement" was established by NOAA with WordPerfect Corporation. NWS personnel should request new packages and upgrades through the ISS.

NOAA requires that documents, which need revision, must be in WordPerfect 5.0 format accompanied by the source on a floppy disk. Because of this requirement, many NWS offices are adopting WordPerfect 5.0 for word processing. Organizational components, phasing out the use of NBI and Wang equipment for word processing, have selected WordPerfect 5.1.

Multimate Advantage, WordStar Professional, Samna IV, Interleaf, and WordStar 2000 are used by some NWS offices. Changing a word processing package is very costly, both in purchasing and retraining personnel. Software tools, such as Software Bridge and Word for Word, can convert from one word processor format to another when required. This can eliminate the need to change word processing packages. It is recommended that each FMC have a copy of one of these, or a comparable package, available for use to convert documents between different word processing software.

Another solution is to transmit documents via electronic mail or through other various electronic means. This relies on conversion to ASCII and original document formats are lost with this method of transfer.

There is an additional requirement for technical and scientific papers, manuals, and reports to be prepared. Technical Support Software, Inc., has a program called EXACT which works with WordPerfect to provide the capability for entering mathematical and scientific expressions and formulas. Lotus Manuscript is a full-featured word processor which includes scientific and mathematical symbols and expressions. WordPerfect Version 5.1 includes the mathematical and scientific symbols capabilities.

3.2.2 Data Base Management Software (DBMS). Data base software packages supported and recommended for use in NWS are dBASE III, dBASE III Plus, R:base, DataEASE, and Paradox. dBASE IV is in a trial period and has found limited use at this time. NOAA has selected Oracle to be the data base software for the mainframe DBMS. The PC Oracle requires, as a minimum, an 80286 computer with 3 MB memory and a 40 MB hard drive. It can serve as a costeffective development tool to establish prototype systems, which can then be uploaded to a mainframe for execution and access.

3.2.3 Graphics Software. The NWS ISS has evaluated many graphics software packages. The primary graphics packages are FreeLance Plus, Harvard Graphics, and PictureIt. The recommended all-around graphics package is Harvard Graphics. The graphics package used will depend on the graphics requirement. Recommendations for specialized software can be obtained by contacting the NWS ISS to discuss requirements.

3.2.4 Spreadsheet Software. Spreadsheet software packages supported by NWS ISS are Lotus 1-2-3 and SuperCalc. Quattro Pro is being used by NWS Western Region, and Lucid-3D is currently being evaluated by NWS ISS.

3.2.6 Software Utilities [e.g., Sort, Backup/Recovery, Personal Information Managers (PIM)]. There are many utility packages available for use with microcomputers. The use of these various software utilities is dependent on the individual needs of the user and the functions or requirements.

The recommended backup software utilities are the latest versions of FastBack and BACKUP. NOTE: Be sure to use the same version of "backup/restore software" to restore the data that was used to make the backup.

- Sidekick -- a "desktop" companion, can be made resident
- IBM Personal Editor, IBM Sort
- SEE (a full-screen editor)
- Snipper -- allows "snipping"/recording of screen images to an ASCII file that can be incorporated into
WordPerfect documents.
- Personal Utilities -- (Desktop organizers, editors, and PIM software packages are examples.)

3.2.7 Statistical Software. The recommended statistical software packages for NWS have yet to be addressed. The SPSS and SAS statistical software packages are used by JSPO and have fulfilled most needs. StatGraphics is another package in use by the Office of Hydrology. Other statistical packages exist that can satisfy NWS and user requirements.

3.2.8 Digitized and Background Mapping Software. Both the digitized and background mapping software packages are currently being investigated by the NWS ISS. Strategic Locations Planning, Inc., has two mapping packages (Atlas Graphics and Atlas Draw) that provide excellent maps for NWS use. These packages have the capability to construct maps at the county warning level and are supported by the ISS.

3.3 Local Area Network (LAN) Guidelines. The NWS will follow the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP) for all equipment purchased for LANs. This is a subset of the Operating System Interface but differs from the POSIX standard. Appendix E outlines the requirements under GOSIP and covers the applicability to Federal Government agencies.

3.3.1 LAN Equipment Guidelines. The NWS has installed a fiber optic backbone network in the Silver Spring Metro Center 2 (SSMC2) complex and a 150 ohm shielded twisted pair cable as the horizontal distribution cable using a standard IBM connector. The LAN will have the capability to interface through a router on a T1 line with the National Meteorological Center LAN using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This gives those users of meteorological data access at high transfer rates, saving valuable time and money. The benefits of this Headquarters LAN will result in low life-cycle cost, ease of network management and maintenance, and the ability to integrate existing systems and networks. Because the GOSIP standards will be followed, the interconnection to other LANs and Wide Area Networks in NOAA will also be accessible and will provide electronic mail capability.

3.4 Desktop Publishing Guidelines. The NWS ISS is currently performing an evaluation of various desktop publishing equipment and software. The results of this evaluation will be provided to the members of the NWS OA WAG upon completion. Guidelines will be included later.

3.5 Training Guidelines. Training is the responsibility of each FMC. Field offices should provide training through available methods. These methods will vary from region to region, depending on the available training in the area. It would be very beneficial for the FMCs to establish user groups for various software packages. National Headquarters currently has user groups for WordPerfect, C, and dBASE III/Clipper. Plans are under way for a general PC users group and an Oracle users group. These forums provide a useful exchange of information and are especially helpful in providing training at little or no cost.

For those NWS employees in the Washington, D.C., area, the NWS Headquarters Information Resource Center (IRC) can provide audio/visual training material (e.g., video tapes, cassette tapes, and/or diskettes). There are several "hands-on" training packages for use within the IRC. Workshops in word processing, data base, etc., will be presented from time to time for small groups. Most of these materials and resources are for individualized training. The NOAA Personnel Training Section can arrange training for groups or individuals with outside contractors for various word processors, spreadsheets, and data base management software. NOAA Training has a training center in SSMC2. To obtain a current list of class offerings and training schedules, contact NOAA Personnel. The availability for training by the IRC can be obtained by contacting the ISS group.

3.6 Technical Support Guidelines. The NWS ISS will provide technical support for the Washington, D.C., area on a help or hotline for both hardware and software. The NWS ISS will help identify requirements and provide guidance in the preparation of CD-435's. The NWS ISS Help Line numbers have been distributed to all NWS personnel through the OA WAG focal points. There is no restriction on the use of the NWS ISS Help Line. It is advised that attempts be made to resolve problems or questions through each OA WAG focal point before calling the ISS Help Line. Appendix D provides a list of software support and the contact.

3.6.1 Equipment Technical Support Guidelines. For offices in the Washington, D.C., area, the support of equipment can be handled through the ISS. Field offices should work through the OA focal point to obtain guidance for repair.

3.7 Equipment and Software Licensing and Maintenance Agreements. Currently, there are no NWS site licenses for either equipment or software maintenance. NOAA has obtained a large account purchase agreement with WordPerfect Corporation for OA products. Requests can be taken by the ISS if anyone would like to take advantage of the agreement. DOC/NOAA has a DOC-wide site license for Procomm Version 2.4.2 only (a communications software package). The CASC has reported paying about $175 a year for R:BASE software support.

NOTE: Each purchase of equipment will need to be examined to determine if the included warranty and implied or stated maintenance is appropriate. If not, the purchasing office will need to decide if a maintenance contract is advisable, necessary, and cost-effective. Software maintenance can be acquired from some software companies. It is usually expensive but may include telephone support and product updates. The end user will need to make this decision with the assistance of the OA WAG member.

3.8 Specialized OA Equipment and Software (for the Handicapped NWS Employee). The equipment and software required for the handicapped NWS employee should be identified on a case-by-case basis. These requirements vary and are dependent on individual needs.

The new Federal Information Resources Management Regulation (FIRMR) provides further guidance on the selection and acquisition of specialized OA equipment and software. The purpose of the FIRMR is to codify portions of Public Law 99-506, "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986." The essence of the FIRMR is to ensure that the needs of the handicapped are, or can be, met in any quantity hardware/software acquisitions. A CD-435 must state the need for handicapped accessibility has been reviewed, the purchase request has met the requirements, or that it does not require special needs for the handicapped.

The ISS has identified specialized equipment for the visually impaired and is obtaining practical items for use in the IRC. Examples are HP ScanJet and a portable computer with an internal speech board that may be borrowed for conferences, training, and meetings.

3.9 OA Security. OA security is an issue of great concern. The Information Technology Manager (ITM) for each office or organization has the responsibility for computer and system security. Presented here is a simple security checklist which should be followed by everyone.

4. Back up total hard drive at reasonable intervals. It can be very time consuming to reload all software, .bat
files, system files, special configuration files, menus, etc. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth more
than a pound of cure.

1. Introduction. This document is to identify the various duties and responsibilities of the NWS OA WAG members.
        The General Work Force Performance Appraisal System or Performance Management and Recognition System of
        the members should reflect the duties in the NWS OA WAG. The duties and responsibilities of the NWS OA WAG
        members vary due to the different roles within this group structure.

2. Organizational Structure of the NWS OA WAG. The NWS OA WAG is comprised primarily of representatives
        from the Financial Management Centers (FMC) and other programs or special groups (e.g., Transition Program
        Office and JSPO). It is not a requirement that the NWS OA WAG member also be a member or a chairperson of an
        OA SIG. The OA WAG chairperson may ask other individuals from other National Oceanic and Atmospheric
         Administration (NOAA) organizations, as well as NWS, to participate in the NWS OA WAG.

3. Duties and Responsibilities for the Roles of the NWS OA WAG. This section identifies and delineates the duties and
responsibilities for the roles of the NWS OA WAG. Each NWS OA WAG member's role is identified, and the
associated duties and responsibilities are presented.

- Lead the NWS OA WAG
- Coordinate and consolidate information received from members of the OA WAG
- Perform as NWS liaison and/or focal point to the Department of Commerce/NOAA OA activities (e.g., the
        NOAA Standards Committee)
- Collect and disseminate information pertaining to the NWS OA WAG
- Lead in identifying, analyzing, and resolving relevant issues identified by the NWS OA WAG members
- Prepare and publish Issue Papers on relevant issues
- Ensure dissemination of the findings of the NWS OA WAG and OA working groups to all members and
        management
- Plan and conduct OA WAG meetings at regular intervals and ensure documentation and dissemination of the
        proceedings
- Ensure adherence to the NWS OA Initiative

- Represent his/her FMC, NWS organization, program, or special group
- Participate in the NWS OA WAG meetings by attending or through electronic or mail communications
- Participate in the development, establishment, and update of NWS OA policy and guidelines
- Apprise FMC management of the OA WAG activities
- Participate in and/or chair one or more of the WAG SIGs
- Identify and discuss OA issues affecting or impacting their organization and/or its mission
- Assist in the maintenance of his/her FMC/NWS OA inventory
- Disseminate findings of OA studies, training, software and hardware evaluations, communications, networks,
and literature searches resulting from their FMC/NWS organization's efforts and activities
- Collect, review, and exchange OA-related information resulting from trade journals and trade shows

- Lead the NWS OA WAG SIG
- Coordinate information received from members of the SIG
- Collect and disseminate information pertaining to the particular SIG to the NWS OA WAG
- Report results and/or findings of the SIG to the WAG Chairperson and members of the WAG
- Plan and conduct SIG meetings at some regular interval and ensure documentation and dissemination of
these meetings
- Identify, discuss, and offer resolutions to OA issues identified within the SIG

- Participate in OA studies, training, software and hardware evaluations, communications, networks, and
literature searches as they pertain to the SIG
- Assist SIG chairperson in the preparation and dissemination of findings and resolutions of the SIG to the OA
WAG

- IBM Proprinters and Quietwriters
- Epson dot-matrix printers in all series (MX/FX/RX/EX/LQ)
- Okidata dot-matrix printers
- Qume Sprint 11 series
- NEC Models 2030, 3550, and 8800
- HP LaserJet Models I, II, IIP, and III
- Star Models SG-15 and NX-15
- Brothers HL-8e laser
- QMS 810 and QMS Colorscript 100, model 10

Hewlett-Packard's HP Model 7475A six-pen plotter is the most common plotter in use at NWS at this time. In addition, the HP Model 7550A plotter is used. Other plotters may be selected which meet the requirements and capabilities needed for a particular situation.

The DEST desktop optical scanner can be used with most typed or printed sheets. Some scanner models do not scan such material as books, pamphlets, and other bound media; however, some newer models will. This problem and the problems of different fonts may be solved by using scanners that can do bit/pixel scanning rather than specific font recognition.

The Hewlett-Packard ScanJet is a full page scanner and is in use in the ISS Information Resource Center (IRC). The HP ScanJet, as set up in the NWS IRC with the Calera interface, acts as an optical character reader. The Kurzweil personal reader and the Caere Corporation Omnipage are two other products that can be used. The Kurzweil is very expensive, and the Omnipage does not support the micro channel architecture at this time. There is also a TransImage hand held scanner that is used for scanning in program code and other textual information.

The higher transmission speed of 2400 baud can be obtained by EVEREX Evercom 24 (internal EV 940 & EV 941). EVEREX Evercom II (EV 942) is compatible with IBM Personal System 2 (Models 50, 60, 70, 80). Both versions have proven to be very successful and feature the Hayes-compatible command set. The National Weather Service (NWS) Western Region Headquarters has been using 9600 baud Telcor modems. The Central Administrative Support Center has a Banyan server attached to National Logistics Supply Center via a Telebit 9600 baud modem. The NWS Information Systems Section (ISS) will be evaluating additional 4800/9600 baud modems.

- Procomm Version 2.4.2 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has purchased
        a site license for use by all NOAA and Department of Commerce (DOC) personnel. It is preferred for use if
        large files, messages, or programs are to be transferred. From within Procomm, the Kermit file transfer
        capabilities (i.e., uploading and downloading of files) can be exercised. Procomm also allows scripts (or
        program command macros/files) to be used.

NOTE: Procomm Plus has been tested by the NWS ISS and offers improvement over 2.4.2, specifically in the area of working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Parklawn IBM mainframe system. Procomm Plus is not included under the DOC site license.

- Rlink -- This is a comprehensive terminal emulation and file transfer software package of Renex
        Corporation, Woodbridge, Virginia. It is designed for microcomputers running PC/MS-DOS. Rlink
        provides ANSI X3.64 emulation. Rlink supports the Renex Asynchronous Protocol, which is a full duplex
        protocol that provides error-free transmission across asynchronous lines. Rlink is being provided to all users
        who need access to the FDA Parklawn Computer Center.

Other known communications packages used include CrossTalk XVI and the communications capability provided by various integrated software packages such as Symphony. The Reflection package, which emulates a VT-220, is used for both VAX and DEC-20 machines. TEX, a terminal emulation program that supports Xmodem file transfer on Data General machines, is used at the National Data Buoy Center.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Information Systems Section (ISS) and other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) elements are currently providing support in these software areas and for specific packages.

- dBASE III, dBASE III Plus
- Clipper, Flipper, dQuery (dBASE adjuncts)
- ORACLE (Currently, limited support will be available.)
- R:Base is supported through the Central Administrative Support Center (CASC), Systems Division
- Paradox is supported by Western Region

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 146-1 adopts the GOSIP. GOSIP defines a common set of data communication protocols which enable systems developed by different vendors to interoperate. It also enables the users of different applications on these systems to exchange information. Version 1 of GOSIP supports the Message Handling Systems and File Transfer. Version 1 also supports interconnection of the following network technologies: CCITT Recommendation X.25, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (IEEE 802.3), Token Bus (IEEE 802.4), and Token Ring (IEEE 802.5). Version 2 of GOSIP contains the following functionality not included in Version 1.

a. The Virtual Terminal Service (TELNET and Forms profiles)
b. The Office Document Architecture
c. The Integrated Services Digital Network
d. The End System-Intermediate System protocol and as user options
e. The Connectionless Transport Service
f. The Connection Oriented Network Service

Implementation. After August 15, 1990, Version 1 of GOSIP must be cited in solicitations and contracts for the acquisition of new network products and services providing the functionality defined in Version 1. Version 2 of GOSIP will be effective on the day that it is announced in the Federal Register following approval by the Secretary of Commerce and does not change the implementation schedules established for protocols defined in Version 1. Eighteen months after the effective date, Version 2 must be cited in solicitations and contracts when the systems to be acquired provide equivalent functionality to the protocols defined in the GOSIP document. Items e. and f. above are optional services, and the compliance date will not apply to them.

The ISS, Management and Organization Branch, Office of Management and Budget, National Weather Service (NWS), provides technical guidance and assistance to all NWS components in the areas of office information systems, management information systems, and office automation technology. The section staff represent NWS on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of Commerce technical committees concerning office automation and management information systems standards, policies, and guidelines. Management of NWS usage of NOAA time-share systems is another major function of the ISS. Other significant activities include maintenance and support of the NWS Executive Information System; management of the NWS Information Resource Center; support and integration of NWS-wide Office Automation (OA) activities, including chairing and participating in the OA Working-Advisory Group; management of the NWS-wide Indefinite Quantity Contract for ADP services; and provides consulting services for hardware and software solutions.