Private Automatic Computer Exchange (PACX)

Abstract

In 1972, the Computing Center studied the development and implementation of a Gandalf data switch which was used to improve terminal access to several HP2000 systems on the University of Iowa campus. As timesharing resource utilization grew in the University of Hawaii, a need for a data switch to maximize utilization of ports also emerged. In 1978, the Computing Center acquired a PACX I (128 X 128). Since 1978, the growth of use of computers and numbers of computer systems universitywide required upgrades to a DUAL PACX II (256 X 256) and then to the currently existing QUAD PACX IV (1024 X 512). The system will be upgraded to a PACX 1000 (1024 X 1024) in mid June, 1986. PACX IV systems are also located at MSO, and at Leeward, Maui, and Kauai Community Colleges. A PACX 2000 is located at the EWC. A PACX 2000 is planned for installation at the Diamond Head Campus of Kapiolani Community College during the Fall Semester, 1986. A PACX 2000 is also planned for installation at the HILO College and at Hamilton Library during the next 12 - 24 months. All currently installed PACXs are either connected or will be connected to each other this calendar year to complete formation of a PACXNET with automatic routing of calls.