Faster Computer Expected in April

A computing system three times faster and more powerful than the present system will be installed next April at the Harvard Computing Center.

The new computer, an IBM 360/65, is a third generation machine which will replace the current second generation machine. David S. Dix, associate director of the Harvard Computing Center, said that "the growth of interest in computing has led to projects which just can't be done on the old machine."

Dix said that other universities have set-ups similar to the IBM 360/65 System. But Harvard "plans to exploit the remote capability more than other schools," he said.

Remote Stations

The new computer has capacity for four remote stations, each of which can be equipped with a card reader, a card punch, and a card printer. Three of the remote stations are tentatively being planned at the Business School, the Medical School, and 8 Mount Auburn Street.

There will also be capacity for 16 teletypes linked to the computer. These teletypes will be able to print output at ten characters per second. Plans for locating these teletypes are still being made. Dix emphasized that the most important feature of the new computer is the "whole spectrum of possible remote devices."

The current cost for computer time is $165 per hour. Dix expects that the cost will be doubled or tripled. But the increased speed of processing should mean no added cost for the computer user.

Dix predicted that there would be additional use of the computer because of "an enormous increase in storage capability." Dix said that the additional revenue from user fees should easily absorb the $70,000 per month leasing cost.