An approach to standardizing computer systems

The fundamental goal of an evolutionary approach to upgrading a computer installation is the maintenance of a continuity of operation as various elements of the installation (equipment components and system support programs) are replaced. The realization of this goal requires the isolation and separation of the inter-dependencies which now exist between the various elements of a computer installation. This includes the inter-dependencies between programs and the characteristics of equipment components, between programs and the characteristics of other programs, and between equipment components and the characteristics of other equipment components.