PROBLEMS WITH WANG WORLD PROCESSING SYSTEM IN AFRICA DIVISION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 5, 2011
• Sequence Number: 29
• Publication Date: April 3, 1987
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3
03A?j'.1911-7
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Information Management Staff
Chief, Systems Group, IMS
Chie' , "it/0L
AF
Chief, Africa Division
Problems with WANG Word Processing System in
1. Action Requested: Africa Division requests that
Information Management Staff focus immediate attention and
whatever resources are necessary on the constant problems that
Africa Division is having with the WANG word processing
system. These problems must be solved so that Africa Division
can sustain full level information processing and management.
2. Background: Africa Division has experienced
continuous, serious problems with the WANG word processing
system since its installation in 1983. Specifically, the CPU's
and printers in the Division do not function with sufficient
reliability to allow our staff to complete their work on a
timely basis. Lengthy "down time" due to frozen systems,
inability to "power up" and need to replace disk packs on a
frequent basis, are the evident symptoms of the problem.
Documents have been "lost", and a significant amount of daily
activity is spent trying to retrieve information or work around
the system. In the past few months, the WANG technicians have
stated that the fault lies in the building power system, while
building electricians believe that the WANG equipment is
faulty! Response time to requests for repairs or assistance
from WANG representatives has been very poor, ranging from a
period of several hours to entire days. In addition, WANG
representatives informed us that there is no preventive
maintenance program that might help alleviate the situation.
It is imperative to locate the cause of these problems -
whether technical or electrical or both - and to take immediate
corrective action.
6'/
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89GO0643R000900130029-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3
SUBJECT: Problems with WANG Word Processing System in Africa
Division
3. Africa Division is finding it impossible to maintain an
acceptable level of word processing function. Since most of
the Directorate of Operations requires that cables, memoranda,
and even forms, be submitted in WANG-specific format
(accompanied by diskette), we find ourselves in a ludicrous
position. The above mentioned problems have all been brought
to IMS attention as they occurred. What is lacking at present
is a focused, coordinated approach to solving the problem. The
controversy over which component/service (WANG or building
maintenance) is responsible has only added to the confusion,
and to date no one has been willing or able to make the
necessary repairs.
4. We request that IMS address the issues raised in this
memorandum as soon as possible so that Africa Division can meet
its goals and objectives.
2
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3
SUBJECT: Problems with WANG Word Processing System in Africa
Division
Distribution:
Orig - C/IMS
1 - ADDO
1 - ADDA
1 - SSA/DDO
1 - C/Office n
25X1 1 - AF
25X1 1 - C/
1 - C/FMD OL
25X1 1 - C
25X1 1 - A
f Logistics
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/05: CIA-RDP89G00643R000900130029-3