SUPERCOMPUTERS

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910059-9
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
1
Document Creation Date: 
December 21, 2016
Document Release Date: 
June 26, 2008
Sequence Number: 
59
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
February 7, 1983
Content Type: 
MEMO
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP85B01152R000700910059-9.pdf58.84 KB
Body: 
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85BO1152R000700910059-9 ? ?UL\... 1~.v a Central Intelligence Agency MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Policy and Planning Staff, Intelligence Community Staff SUBJECT: Supercomputers 25X1 r, D v le REFERENCE: Your Memorandum, dtd 26 January 1983, Same Subject, DCI/ICS 83-4224 1. In the Reference, you asked CIA to respond to a set of questions on supercomputers. Brief answers to these questions are provided in the attachment. 2. From a CIA perspective, there are two main points we would like to make concerning supercomputers. First, we are currently uncertain as to whether we have definite requirements for a supercomputer capability. In fact, we are investigating this very issue at this time. We, therefore, have not made a decision to acquire a supercomputer. We believe. that this would be a costly and complex exercise and are not prepared to proceed until we are convinced that the benefits outweigh the costs. 3. Second, we are quite concerned about being limited to foreign sources (presumably Japanese) should we decide to acquire a supercomputer. Agency policy generally prohibits the use of foreign ADP resources. This policy is derived from security concerns only. That is, in our judgment, the use of foreign ADP resources greatly increases our vulnerability to manipulation by a hostile intelligence service. Therefore, we believe domestic sources for supercomputers should be fostered. How to do this, however, is a complex policy question for, which we have no simple answer at this time. 4. My action officer on supercomputers is Director of Data Processing. Please feel free to contact directly, if you have any questions or comments on this response. may be reached on Attachment: a/s I 25X1 2 A11 25X1 25X1 LOA I Dr" "11 #XEC: S 25X1 U/FOUO when Separated from Attachment Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP85BO1152R000700910059-9