Texas Instruments computer communication network.
and its support for the automated office
by JOHN W. WHITE
Texas Instruments Incorporated
DalJas, Texas
This paper will give an overview of the Texas Instruments
Incorporated worldwide computer/communications network
(as of November 1979) and specifically emphasize-its support
for electronic mailing, electronic filing, and network connected word processing capability.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SERVICES
The Information Systems and Services organization of TI
is chartered to provide computer systems and communications capability to TI worldwide. The Information Services
organization operates the Corporate Information Center in
Dallas, operates the Voice and Data Communications Network and is responsible for the advancement of this computer/communications network.
The Information Systems organization has responsibility
for working with user groups to define, develop, and maintain applications systems supporting engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and the corporate control functions.
To get a better perspective of this Information Systems
and Services organization I would like to describe briefly the
computer/communications network that offers these services. First we will look at the central computer center that
supports this organization, the Corporate Information Center (CIC).
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS THE COMPANY
Texas Instruments is a multi-national corporation with
forty-eight major plant sites in eighteen countries. The map
of the world shown in Figure 1 depicts the major manufacturing sites and the year of initiation of operation at each of
these locations.
Texas Instruments is a diversified'company with the Semiconductor Group offering micro-electronic systems, integrated circuits, micro-processors, and memory systems; the
Digital Systems Group offering mini-computers, terminals,
and distributed processing systems; Consumer Group offering digital watches, calculators, and electronic learning aids;
Metallurgical and Electrical Products Group offering precision metals and electrical control products; Equipment
Group manufacturing defense systems such as missiles, laser
guided bombs, and high precision radar systems; Geophysical Exploration Group providing petroleum exploration services, both land based and marine; and the TI Supply Company, a distribution arm for the products manufactured by
the other divisions of the company.
Texas Instruments is a growth company as shown in Figure 2. In 1946 when the laboratory and manufacturing division of TI's founding company, Geophysical Service Incorporated, was established, net sales billed were $3 million.·
In 1978 net sales billed were over $2.5 billion. Some
of the TI's major products which have helped TI's growth
were the introduction of the first commercial silicon transistor in 1954, the single chip micro-computer or calculator
on a chip in 1971, the bubble memory device in 1977, and
the 64K dynamic random access memory in 1978. One of
TI's newest innovations, announced just this year, is the 64K
E-PROM which should prove to be another major product
to add to this list.
Corporate information center
The Corporate Information Center is located in Dallas,
Texas, and it is driven by six IBM 3033 mainframes. These
computers have access to over three hundred twenty disk
drives and eighty tape drives. They operate in a loosely coupled multiprocessor environment under JES3. In order to
provide the high degree of reliability that is necessary to
support the corporation, software and hardware is fully
tested on an IBM 3031 in a VM environment prior to being
placed into production.
As shown in Figure 3, two hundred seventy-five remote
job entry terminals are interfaced to CIC and have access to
batch processing capability on all six of these large mainframes via the JES3 job entry system. There are over eight
thousand inquiry terminals that have access to the inquiry
terminal network processing under IMS on two of these
CPU's. These two IMS CPU's interconnect via channel-tochannel adapters through the Multiple Systems Coupling feature of the Information Management System. Many ofthese
terminals also have access to the TSO time sharing system
which also runs on two separate processors in this complex.
515
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
516
National Computer Conference, 1980
Figure I
Data communications network
Two hundred seventy-five remote job entry terminals,
8000 inquiry terminals, and 135 distributed processors are
connected to the Corporate Information Center and to each
other through a worldwide data communication network
shown in Figure 4. The international network is made up of
high speed trunk lines managed by communications processors with service emanating from our computer center in
Dallas. A 50 kilobit line between Dallas and Singapore serves
the plant sites in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia,
and the Philippines. A 19.2 kilobit connection between Dallas
and Tokyo serves the TI plant sites in Japan. To Europe,
we have three 50 kilobit lines plus multiple 9600 baud lines
which are used for voice communication and as emergency
backup for the 50 kilobit links. Central America and South
America are served with 9600 baud circuits to EI Salvador
and Panama with low speed lines (teletype) to Argentina and
Brazil.
The TI International Network is managed by a packet
switching system based on TI's 980 computer. The processors that manage this network are referred to as TICOG (TI
.Communications Grid) processors shown schematically in
Figure 5. This network allows the mUltiplexing of multiple
devices and functions over a single communication line by
supporting remote job entry terminals and distributed processors as well as direct interface for inquiry terminals. Alternate routing provides improved reliability of the communications network. Failure of a link within the network
is detected within twenty seconds and traffic on that link is
routed through the appropriate alternate route. By utilizing
a continuous-transmit/selective-retransmit protocol we get
a four to one improvement in line utilization over conventional protocols on satellite links. Priority queueing for the
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
Texas Instruments Computer Communication Network
interactive functions (IMS and TSO) minimizes the impact
of communication delays within the network.
Distributed computing
In order to provide the improved reliability, improved responsiveness, and the lower cost of specific processing functions, this network is supported by 135 full function distributed processors supporting applications such as order entry,
purchasing, receiving, material control, work in process,
automated warehousing, and material accountability. These
distributed processors primarily provide real time interactive
interfaces for high performance functions.
The current network supports basically a Jhree level computer hierarchy with the CIC representing Level I majormainframe capability, and distributed processors at Levels III
and IV. We are planning for a computer network as shown
in Figure 6 giving us a four level computer hierarchy with
IBM mainframes at Levels I and II and TI 990 mini-computers at Levels II, III, and IV within that hierarchy.
Level I systems will provide corporate consolidation and
globally accessible data bases. Level II will be site processors supporting an individual site and possibly very near
access areas such as field sales offices. Level III supports
small sites and also functional areas such as a manufacturing
line or an inventory control point within a large manufacturing operation. These Level III systems will also be used
as the primary processor in field sales offices for order entry,
finished goods, inventory control and financial systems support. Level IV systems will be used as interactive work stations for engineering design functions and as word processor
work stations which will be discussed later in this paper.
The current TI network supports over 135 distributed processors that are connected to the TI master network: This
collection of distributed processors is growing rapidly at the
HIGHLIGHTS OF 11 GROWTH SINCE 1946
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From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
518
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Figure 3
present time and is expected to accelerate in growth as more
comprehensive functionality is developed for these distributed processors.
THE AUTOMATED OFFICE
This section will discuss how this network provides support for the automated office functions of word processing,
electronic mailing, and electronic filing.
Electronic mailing
The electronic mailing function at TI is supported by a
system referred to as MSG which has been in service since
1971. MSG is used for document preparation, storage; dis-
tribution, and redistribution of message text. It supports a
broadcast capability allowing a single message to be sent to
multiple locations. It offers security for storage, access, and
distribution and supports a direct interface to the public telex
network. One feature :of the MSG system which is now proving quite effective is the ability to insert messages into the
MSG distribution system from other application systems.
This is possible since the MSG system runs under our full
function IMS system and therefore has realtime access to
all inquiry terminals within the TI network.
These application systems insert messages into the MSG
system to indicate such events as the completion of batch
processing cycles and the subsequent availability of reports
from these management systems. MSG also supports the
capability for individual electronic post office boxes so that
one can manage personal messages and get access to these
personal messages from any point within the network. Mes-
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
Texas Instruments Computer Communication Network
.sages within the MSG system are retained in an on-line queue
for approximately ten days before being purged.
Figure 7 shows the number of MSG transactions per day
increasing from ten thousand per day in year-end 1977 to an
average of twenty thousand a day in August 1979. The cost
per copy has decreased throughout this time period due to
improved cost effectiveness of computer and communications capability offering the service and economy of scale
benefits that accrue from increased shared usage.
The MSG system is used by a wide variety of TI personnel
including engineers, secretaries, planners, managers, controllers, and even ships at sea. Our geophysical exploration
business has a fleet of marine exploration vessels which communicate via Marisat to the CIC and therefore have access
to the MSG system as well as other management systems
within the Corporate Informatiop Center.
519
Electronic filing
The primary system that is used with TI for electronic
filing is referred to as TIOLR (TI On-Line Reporting).
TIOLR was originally conceived solely as a cost effective
alternative to printing. This system was designed as a hierarchical reporting structure accessible on-line by any terminal in the network and therefore offered additional capabilities. Some of the current applications are computer
generated reports, electronic newspaper, reference information, systems documentation, and it is also used as an
input mechanism for data collection functions.
The basic element of the on-line reporting system is the
page with size set at a maximum of 66 lines by 132 characters.
Figure 8 portrays the data structure which allows for a large
number of reports, forty generations of each report, and 5600
Figure 4
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
520
National Computer Conference, 1980
Figure 5
chapters per generation, sections per chapter and pages per
section.
TIOLR is used for electronic filing and on-line reference
allowing users to view one page at a time on a video screen
with individual page addressability. Chapter, section, and
page flipping with large page scrolling on a small screen is
supported by function keys. Reports can be created, updated, and displayed on-line. Batch capability can be used
for creation, update, and volume printing from this on-line
file. Information security is offered at the report, generation,
and page levels for separate read and update authority.
The TI On-Line Reporting capability was introduced in
the third quarter of 1977 and its volume has increased dramatically especially during 1979 as its use became prevalent
throughout TI. Figure 9 shows that the number of reports
that are currently stored on-line is somewhat over 6000 and
the amount of data stored is approximately four million
bytes. Cost per transaction has reduced from 3.9¢ in 1977
to 3¢ by year-end 1979.
Word processing
Word processing at TI is served through a TI internally
manufactured word processor that is used for document
preparation and filing. This system is connected to the TI
Communication Network either by acoustic coupled dialup or by a direct dedicated connection.
The TI word processor is a TI 990 based mini-computer
with full page CRT, and letter quality printer as depicted in
Figure 10. The word processor supports two work stations,
each with a dedicated user floppy disk. The system may
function in a standalone mode or connect via the computer/
communications link to other word processors, distributed
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
Texas Instruments Computer Communication Network
processors, or to the Corporate Information Center. The
communications interface utilizes a floppy disk to stage information to and from the network. This allows communications to operate in a background mode, freeing the word
processor work station for foreground text preparation in
parallel with communications.
When operating in the standalone mode the user can perform text editing, local document storage and retrieval from
the floppy disk and printing from the floppy disk. By connecting the word processor to the network, additional functions are provided including: interactive terminal emulation
for access to either IMS or TSO, and background communications for direct electronic mailing and remote electronic
filing via the MSG and TIOLR systems.
There are currently 202 word processors in TI's network.
521
IMPLEMENTATION FACTORS
TI has established corporate growth goals of 3 billion dollars in annual sales in the late 1970's and 10 billion dollars
in annual sales in the late 1980's, as shown in Figure 11.
This growth thrust has stimulated the development of the
TI worldwide communications network and its hierarchy of
logic and memory. The communications network is an essential ingredient for implementation of affordable multinational integrated management systems, including those used
for electronic mailing and filing.
As a result of this thrust, the TI Distributed Processing
Network has grown significantly since year-end 1977 when
we had 39 distributed processors connected to the network.
Figure 12 shows this growth. By year-end 1978 we had 70
Figure 6
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
522
National Computer Conference, 1980
Figure 7
distributed processors connected to the network and as of
November 1979 there were 135 network connected distributed computers.
In 1978 we saw a significant growth in our terminal population, more than doubling our total installed base. The
percentage growth rate of terminals has decelerated in 1979,
however we will install more terminals in 1979 than were
installed in 1978. Network accessibility by a relatively dense
terminal population is a key element of success of electronic
mailing and filing.
In summary, the technology needs for the success of electronic mailing and filing are: 1) an inexpensive communications network (packet switching internationally in TI's
case) which is accessible to a large number of users, 2) multisystem access from each terminal in the network, and, 3)
word processors which are compatible with general purpose
terminals. At TI we have developed each of these.
THE BENEFITS
At TI we have seen a number of benefits from using the
three key office automation systems.
The MSG electronic mailing system is used by the secretaries to transmit messages while continuing to perform
text editing in the foreground. This reduces copying time,
messengering time, and improves the speed of communication.
Benefits to the manager and professional from MSG elec-
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
Texas Instruments Computer Communication Network
tronic mailing include the sp~ed of communications and the
privacy that the electronic mailbox offers. One of the key
contributions is the synchronization of communications
worldwide. The system allows one to place a written copy
of a document into a manager's in-basket wherever he is
located worldwide allowing him to review it in his prime time
which may not coincide with the sender's prime time. The
recipient can then respond utilizing the same mechanism.
The system queues and allows resend or rereceipt of messages while security prevents the transmitting of messages
for which you are not the owner.
Benefits of TIOLR electronic filing for the secretary are
the reduction of copying and messengering time. It also expands the word processor file size and makes the information
created by word processors immediately and globally accessible to other users within the network. It reduces presentation cycle time by making the prepared documents im-
523
mediately available to all parties that are involved in the
presentation preparation.
Benefits to the manager or professional are worldwide information availability and its timely distribution. Compatible
versions of this system are available on both CIC and the
TI Distributed Processors including support for online data
transfer between Central and Distributed TIOLR files.
Benefits of the word processors are that they can transmit
documents through TI's computer-communications network, act as an inquiry terminal and word processor at a
secretary's work station, and significantly improve typing
productivity.
SUMMARY
In summary, at TI we are now performing text management including local preparation via the word processor,
Figure 8
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
524
National Computer Conference, 1980
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
INCORPORATED
TI USE OF ELECTRONIC MAILING AND FILING
MSG VOLUME AND COST
YEAR END
NUMBER OF MSG TRANSACTIONS
PER DAY
1977
10,500
YEAR END
AUGUST
- 1918
- 1919
16,300
19,800
0
444
437
442
RECIPIENTS PER MESSAGE
3
4
4
COST PER COpy RECEIVED
$ .08
$ .06
$ .05
CHARACTERS'ER MESSAGE
Figure 9
distribution via our MSG electronic mailing system, and generalized filing capability for storage and access via the TI
On-Line Reporting system.
These capabilities are integrated with a full function computer-communications network in order to take advantage
of our existing network. The word processors have been
network connected in order to maximize the productivity
. gains for secretarial and clerical staff that utilize the word
processor for local document preparation.
We are extending these word processing capabilities to
our distributed processing systems in order to further maximize the benefits of an integrated word processing/data processing computer-communications network.
With the tools that we currently have in place we have
realized significant productivity gains, however as these
functional capabilities are enhanced and further deployed
the benefits continue to accrue.
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
Texas Instruments Computer Communication Network
Figure 10
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)
525
526
National Computer Conference, 1980
Figure 11
YIE 77
YIE 78
NOV.79
2400
4900
8083
NETWORKED DISTRIBUTED PROCESSORS
39
70
135
COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSORS (TICOG)
19
28
32
STANDALONE DISTRIBUTED PROCESSORS
(ESTIMATED)
3000
5000
7500
INQUIRY TERMINALS
Figure 12-Information systems and services; TI distributed processing
network growth.
From the collection of the Computer History Museum (www.computerhistory.org)