Consolidation of Computer-Output-Microfilm Facilities in Hawaii

A survey of automated data processing activities, including utilization of computer-output-microfilm (COM) equipment, at various DOD locations in the Far East identified proliferation of COM equipment at computer facilities in Hawaii. The Navy operates three COM centers at Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Army Support Command, Hawaii, also operates a COM center. None of these computer facilities are fully utilized.

None of these computer facilities are fully utilized. The Secretary of Defense should consider appropriate action to consolidate the COM facilities in Hawaii in view of the multiplicity of the COM centers that are not fully utilized and of the potential sayings from elimination of unneeded equipment. Consolidation is possible since two of the COM centers have minicomputers which should alleviate the problem of noncompatibility with DOD data processing systems. Consolidation of existing work on the Fleet Marine Force COM equipment would result in an annual savings of about $110,600 through elimination of equipment rental and maintenance costs alone. The feasibility and economy of similar consolidations at other DOD locations should be investigated.