Using Workstations

Astrophysicists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics use Sun Microsystems workstations for their engineering work. They routinely sketch graphs and diagrams on the screen using computer-aided drafting software, as well as sophisticated calculation software to test mathematical equations. They also exchange ideas and information with each other in electronic messages. One project they have worked on in cooperation with NASA is the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility. It is an observatory in space that will measure cosmic X-rays, which are invisible on earth. The astrophysicists hope that the information provided will help them understand better how the universe was formed and what its eventual fate will be.

The Sun workstation performed an additionally important task: helping gather visual and textual information into a comprehensive report for NASA to explain how an X-ray telescope would function aboard the observatory. Using electronic publishing software, they combined graphics screens, mathematical equations, and textual explanations into a document that took just six hours to prepare. Previously, it would have taken two days. Equally important, the report's professional preparation made it much easier for the NASA people to understand.

While most workstation applications are oriented to science and engineering, here is one that is designed for creative people. The William Morris Agency has installed an "interpersonal network" of NeXT workstations at its offices in Beverly Hills, New York, London, and Nashville. William Morris's clients are people in the entertainment business, including motion picture and television actors, directors, writers, producers, news anchors, and musicians. It's important that the agents — creative but very busy people — share ideas and information throughout the organization. The NeXT workstation was chosen because its graphical interface and advanced design make using the database and exchanging electronic messages from one workstation to another extremely easy. The agents can send each other client information and look at talent profiles on the screen. In addition, using a special application called "Who's Calling?", they can schedule meetings with other agents and clients and track previous phone calls. They can also work with multimedia project material that includes text, visual images (including full-motion video), and high-fidelity stereo sound recordings. When completed, the system will have 250 NeXT workstations in five countries.