Ada in the PAX Environment
Abstract
The Programming, Administration, and Execution (PAX) system is a mainframe-based timesharing system that provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a number of crucial budgeting, planning, and scheduling applications. Like any mainframe-based system, PAX is expensive to operate and maintain, but it may be possible to reduce costs by converting PAX applications to Ada, the computer language mandated by Congress and the Department of Defense. While offering a number of potential advantages, conversion to Ada would also pose some significant problems. This report examines the advantages and disadvantages of converting the PAX system to Ada. Issues discussed include PAX programming and implementation practices, conversion options, availability of compatible compilers and software tools, training, and costs. The authors recommend against converting PAX to Ada at this time due to cost and technical considerations. Recommendations also are offered for how to make the transition most effectively should policymakers decide to proceed with conversion to Ada. Ada (Computer Program Language), Cost effectiveness, PAX System, Software.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279237
Entities
People
- Edward J. Japel
- John P. Murphy
- Laura Harmet
- Scott Maxwell
- Wayne Schmidt
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory