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a , <br /> ` 1 <br /> -2- <br /> system' s hardware. While discussing the issue of functions it was <br /> generally concluded that it would be best to leave all advanced <br /> functions to the County computer which is capable of such activities <br /> and to acquire a system which would supplement the County computer , <br /> as well .as provide capabilities not presently available. The major <br /> function, identified as being desirable were : <br /> - Asynchronous interface capability with the Ramsey County <br /> computer for direct data entry. <br /> - File Access on the Ramsey County computer. <br /> - Full word processing capability. <br /> - Columnar Balance Sheet capability. <br /> - Records Management. <br /> - Statistical Computation of data . <br /> - General math functions . <br /> - CPM software allowing for use of the various software <br /> presently available on the market . <br /> It was also determined that we were interested in systems that are <br /> "user friendly" , i . e . , provide for easy operation through design of <br /> hardware and software. It also became obvious during our discussions <br /> that the system that would best fit within our identified functions <br /> was a hybrid capable of all word processing activities without being <br /> underpowered and unable to do simple in-house data processing and <br /> yet not so overpowered in the data processing area that word proces <br /> functions would become too complex and too complicated. Thus, the <br /> description of our desired system as a word processor/microprocessor; <br /> one capable of both functions in a "user friendly" mode. <br /> The system' s configuration was addressed by evaluating the physical <br /> and organizational layout of each of our cities. In the case of all <br /> three cities we have a variety of departments in different physical <br /> locations in one or separate buildings performing many functions <br /> common to the entire operation , as well as many which are individualized. <br /> Present technology provides for shared logic systems where a printer <br /> and the Central Processing Unit (CPU) are shared by a number of <br /> operators having individual keyboards and screens or stand alone <br /> systems which can share a printer. <br /> The usefulness of a shared logic system was rejected by the cities <br /> for the following reasons : <br /> 1. A shared logic system would require an operator be assigned to <br /> maintaining the CPU and printer. One of the purposes of buying <br /> a system was to alleviate the need for additional clerical staff <br /> and/or freezing up existing staff for other duties, not to add <br /> an operator to our staffs. <br /> • <br />