A multifunction network of computers in a large pathology department. Integration of word processing, data base management, and general purpose computing using network principles.

We report the strategies for design and implementation of a system of compatible mini- and microcomputers intended to improve efficiency of data handling and research in several clinical and academic divisions of a large university hospital department of Pathology. A dedicated, preprogrammed, multiuser, word processing computer and small standalone word processing stations connected to a general purpose minicomputer, using standard network protocols for communication, permit virtually error-free movement of data between computers doing functionally distinct tasks of word processing, data base management, and general scientific computing. User programming is minimized and is done in a simple, well-known, high-level language. We show that cost, thruput, speed, document volume, document size, revision cycle frequency, data base size, and frequency of use are important design criteria and that existing staff can be trained easily to operate the systems.