Optical laser technology and its application to Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Querry Facsimile (QFAX) database system

Abstract

Optical storage technology holds the capability to increase the amount of data stored on a single 5 1/4-inch disc from 1.2 Megabytes (Mb) to 640 Mb. The three basic types of optical disks, Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Write Once, Read Many (WORM), and erasable optical, each has its own application niche. For this reason, it is critical for managers to analyze present systems carefully prior to seeking optical storage solutions. An in-depth evaluation of performance and interfacing requirements of currently marketed optical systems was performed. That evaluation was used in the process of determining if Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Querry Facsimile (QFAX) System, a system of nine databases currently stored on a direct access storage device (DASD), was a candidate for an optical storage application. Additional consideration was given to industry standards for optical devices. A detailed analysis of the current system configuration and end-users requirements was made to determine acceptability of optical systems interfaces and associated capabilities. Keywords: Information storage; Interactive online data bases. Theses. (edc)