Census Bureau phasing out mainframes

The U.S. Census Bureau is planning to replace its mainframe systems with Digital Equipment Corporation VAX minicomputers by 1996 in preparation for the 2000 census, while also exploring digital imaging and internet capabilities.

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced plans to phase out its mainframe system by 1996, just in time for the 2000 decennial census.

The bureau plans to utilize its 18 Digital Equipment Corporation VAX minicomputers to pick up the bulk of the load. DEC terminals or PCs emulating DEC terminals are used to connect to the VAX

Plans also call for construction of a new computer center at the University of Maryland's Technology Center in Bowie, Md. by 1996.

The bureau is reportedly examining what will become of its archive, which currently reside on 9-track computer tape, as well as the possibility of getting into digital imaging and moving onto Internet.