The PC Dugout Micro-Mainframe Integration System: PAX Implementation

This report describes the research and development of PC Dugout, a transparent software application for the distribution and control of applications on the Programming, Administration, and Execution (PAX) system. PC Dugout is designed to aid in the productive use of personal computers connected to PAX. The program enables previously centralized processing tasks to be distributed to personal computers, resulting in lower operating costs and improved user interfaces. PC Dugout automatically distributes and maintains personal computer applications developed to support the Military Construction, Army program. The design of PC Dugout addresses the challenge of providing an efficient, reliable method for distributing and updating PC applications while exercising an effective level of system management for a group of users that constantly changes and possesses varying degrees of computer proficiency. PC dugout employs a menu interface, takes advantage of the PC interface with which new Dugout users are already familiar, and transparently manages tasks for multiuser applications.