FUTURE DIRECTIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88B00455R000100100002-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 29, 2014
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: May 12, 1986
• Content Type: MF

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/01/29: CIA-RDP88B00455R000100100002-4
CONFIDENTIAL
12 May 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR: Information Systems Board Members
FROM : Executive Director
SUBJECT : Future Directions
1. The Information Systems Board first met almost three years ago. A lot
has happened in that three years--most of it initiated by the Board. Most
importantly, we have embraced a new philosophy of managing information
technology. Far-reaching decisions are now brought to the attention of senior
Agency managers--yourselves included--for discussion, debate and resolution.
As a result, we have decided:
- to move toward a decentralized architecture--computers on every desk,
- to rely on industry standards wherever possible,
- to support a long-term investment program in computer security,
- to create an executive information/decision support system, and
- to build enough flexibility into our systems that we can more easily
take advantage of new technology in the future.
2. While much important work has been done, many of the decisions that
have been made so far are near-term and tactical rather than long-range and
strategic. At the meeting on Thursday, May 15 (Room 6D49), I would like us to
spend some time discussing future information technology?airections for the
Agency in general and for the Board in particular. Attached is a strawman
agenda for the next year, included for the purpose of provoking discussion.
want to know what you think the strategic information technology issues are,
where you think your directorate should be in five years, and how you think
the Board can help get us there. See you Thursday.
Att
CONFIDENTIAL
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CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION SYSTEMS BOARD
Suggested Agenda 1986-87
OLDBUSINESS - The Board will continue to monitor several continuing issues:
Standards: OIT will brief the Board regularly on the
progress of the Customer Standards Group in determining
hardware, software and service standards for the Agency
and deadlines for compliance with these standards. One
meeting will be devoted to a discussion of the implications
for the Agency of moving from stand-alone word processing
equipment to personal computers.
ComputerSecuritv - The Board will monitor the progress of
the network and personal computer security programs
initiated by its Security Investment Strategy. If the
strategy needs updating, the Computer Security Working
Group will be reconstituted for that purpose.
Information Sharing: The DO has requested that the data
sharing policy prepared two years ago by the Computer
Security Working Group be updated and submitted to the
Community for ratification. They further suggest that
the Board adopt security guidelines for all systems
containing DO information. An inter-directorate Task
Force will be established and will report its
recommendations to the Board by September.
CorporateDataProciram: OITAIISG will brief the Board
on OIT's program to upgrade and expand personnel,
logistics, financial, budget and other corporate
databases and the executive information and decision
support tools that will be available to senior Agency
managers. The DDA will be asked to join the Board for
a discussion of the organizational implications of the
new corporate database capabilities.
Advanced Concepts - Three Board meetings will be devoted
to briefings by ORD and others on advanced concepts in
hardware, software, architecture and communications
technology and the implications of these for our business.
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/01/29: CIA-RDP88B00455R000100100002-4
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CONFIDENTIAL
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS - Where do we want to be five years hence in:
Function: Four meetings -- one per directorate -- will
discuss the data processing and communications tools each
directorate forsees needing in five years to do its job
better and those previously manual functions that are
priority candidates for automation.
Enhanced Security: OS, OC, OIT, and DO/IMS will jointly
brief the Board on ways in which new information
technology can be used to improve security proceedures
and practices beyond current levels.
Communications: OC and OIT will jointly brief the Board
on future communications requirements including which
Agency components will need to communicate with which
systems in the future and what types of information will
be communicated -- text, voice, imagery, video.
Architecture: OIT will brief the Board on its long range
architectural direction including the role of the
mainframe vs. workstations in cooperative processing,
the uses of departmental systems, local area network
and local storage options.
InvestmentStrategv: 0/Compt will lead a discussion on
the Agency's information technology priorities and funding
options for the next five years.
Organization: OIT, ASG, IMS and a DS&T representative
will brief the Board on the options for most effectively
dividing the labor and responsibility of managing
information technology in the future.
-- Summary: After the Board has covered these issues,
one meeting will be taken to discuss the organizational
implications and options of the Agency's strategic
directions and the future role of the ISB.
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CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/01/29: CIA-RDP88B00455R000100100002-4