Part 2 - SAOUG

 Earliest versions of four major commercial
online services appeared mid-1960’s
DIALOG
Roger Summit
SDC ORBIT
LEXIS
SUNY/BCN
Bourne, CP & Hahn, TB. A History of Online Information Services 19631976. Cambridge, Mass: MIT, 2003
No. of users: 16 organizations
Further 4 expected to become online users during 1980
CSIR, AECI, AAC, MRC, Natl Inst Metallurgy, WML
• No. of online searches 1978-1981:
• Increased from 3 136 p.a. – 15 040 p.a.
• Connect time: mean “little in excess” of 10 mins
• Range 2.4 – 30 mins.
Number & type of terminals: 7 terminals
Likely to increase to 26 by 1981
Most widely used: Texas Instruments Model 733 ASR (55%)
Online User News Issue 3 June 1980
Acoustic Coupler
An interface device
for coupling electrical
signals by acoustical
means, usually in and
out of a telephone.
The link was achieved
through sound rather
than by a direct
electrical connection.
Speed of
transmission: 300
baud
DIALOG
SDC ORBIT
BLAISE
NLM (Medlars/Medline)
Not mentioned: LEXIS, SUNY/BRS
ALL required a
language
different command
Chemical Abstracts #1
Engineering Index “some way behind”
Science Abstracts “some way behind”
“Business and management uses are
apparently limited or non-existent”
Online User News Issue 3 June 1980
Regular discussions of practical problems
Many respondents have already undergone
basic training
Needs:
Advanced training
Refresher courses
Online User News Issue 3, June 1980
“The South African postal authorities have
assured OUG that by latest 1981 a
SAPONET node will be made available
specifically for data transmission to
overseas database systems.”
No need for special modems
Speed of transmission increase from 300 1200 baud
Online User News Issue 3 June 1980
Despite the assurances given regarding
improved telecommunications from South
Africa…
“The South African postal authorities have
shelved the idea of making a SAPONET node
available to SA online users. Instead they are
pursuing the idea of a satellite link between a
SAPONET node in Pretoria, and an ITALCABLE
(a branch of the Italian telecommunications
authorities) node in Italy.”
Online User News Issue 4 Sept 1980
“Packet switching is a
modern technology in
data communication …
more efficient, reliable and
economic service”
“The process of applying
for service is not entirely
straightforward for the
first time user…”
“This brochure … must be
read in conjunction with
the packet switching
service application form
(TE 15)…”
“1.3 If the user has his own PAD (a device for
converting the equipment protocol to X.25), or
his computer has an X.25 interface, an X.25 link
will be required (1.3.1), in which case section 2
must also be completed. However in cases where
only an asynchronous terminal exists, application
should be made for a connection to one of
SAPONET’s TRIPLE-X PADS.”
A Guide to Applying for Packet-Switching Services. SAPONET Brochure No. 2, Issue 1. Sept 1983.