Front Cover; Advances in Computer, Volume 20; Copyright Page; Contents; Contributors; Preface; Chapter 1. Management Information Systems: Evolution and Status; 1. Introduction; 2. Background; 3. The MIS Concept; 4. MIS Research; 5. MIS Support Mechanisms; 6. MIS Education; 7. MIS-QuoVadis?; References; Chapter 2. Real-Time Distributed Computer Systems; 1. Introduction; 2. Hardware for Distributed Systems; 3. Software for Distributed Real-Time Systems; 4. Summary; References; Chapter 3. Architecture and Strategies for Local Networks: Examples and Important Systems; 1. What Is a Local Network?

2. Terminology and Nomenclature3. Technology Trends and Their Influence; 4. Decentralized versus Centralized Computation; 5. Local Network Functions; 6. Examples; 7. System Summaries; 8. Hardware Availability; 9. Computer Centers and Offices of the Future: Directions; 10. The Future; References; Chapter 4. Vector Computer Architecture and Processing Techniques; 1. Introduction; 2. Vector-Processing Requirements; 3. Pipeline-Processor Design Considerations; 4. Multiple-Pipeline Computers; 5. Recent Advances in Array Processors; 6. Vector Processor Performance Evaluation.

7. Conclusions and Future TrendsReferences; Chapter 5. An Overview of High-Level Languages; 1. General Introduction; 2. Trends and Activities; 3. Relationship of High-Level Languages to Software Engineering and Software Methodology; 4. Some "Modern" Languages; 5. Research and Advanced Development Language Topics; 6. Future Trends; 7. Summary and Conclusions; References; Auther Index; Subject Index; Contents of Previous Volumes; Untitled.