@make[report]
@device[x2700]
@flushleft[Edinburgh Regional Computing Centre

University of Edinburgh]
@majorheading[Proposal to Evaluate the Options for a Local Name Server]
@heading[Introduction]
ERCC proposes to carry out an investigation into the options open
when considering the construction of a local name server. The main areas
to be investigated include:-
@begin[itemize]
Functions to be included

Hardware Options

Software Options

Sizing details
@end[itemize]
At the end of the investigation, the ERCC would provide a report to the
JNT detailing the options and the recommended solutions.

The items to be included under each heading are as follows.
@subheading[Functions to be included]
A review will be made of the possible facilities that could be included
along with the basic NRS lookup protocol. These will include the features
necessary to support the name server such as:-
@begin[itemize]
database support and file

transfer mechanisms,

provision for local updating
@end[itemize]
and the other suggested options such as active support for a Network Relay.
The implications of supporting these facilities will be explored.
@subheading[Hardware Options]
The available options for a hardware base, ranging from a small, dedicated
micro through special purpose hardware up to a multi-purpose operating
system will be examined and the pro and cons of each discussed.
@subheading[Software Options]
The software options, particularly for the database part will be investigated.
The most obvious options being:-
@begin[itemize]
Using a 'commercial' database,

Modifying the Salford Database

Starting again
@end[itemize]
Each option will be sized, with emphasis on the suitability and difficulty
of modifying each option.
@subheading[Sizing Details]
Using the information obtained from the above, an attempt will be made to
size the proposed solution, both from the point of view of the power and
storage requirements of the server,
the demand for reliability and guaranteed fast response
and the numbers required by the
Community as a whole.

Finally, a total cost, software and hardware, will be estimated.
@subheading[Resources]
Two man months will be required for the investigation, this includes 5 man
days to write and complete the report.
@subheading[Cost]
The person assigned to the investigation is on the CO3 scale, at a salary of 
@t{#}71.36 per day.
40 man days at salary + 40% is @t{#}3996.  In addition allowance should
be made for travel associated with the project to a total of
@t{#}500.

Thus, total cost of the investigation will be @t{#}4496.

@flushright[Brian Gilmore
29th Oct 1986]