HISTORY OF THE LEGACY SYSTEM

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HISTORY OF THE LEGACY SYSTEM
THE FINAL FAREWELL
35 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE
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The sun is setting on IMPAC I (now known as the
Legacy system), and, as we prepare to retire
IMPAC I in October 2002, it is fitting that the
NIH pay tribute to this extramural information
system that has served faithfully for more than
35 years. In many ways, the story of IMPAC I
reflects the remarkable evolution of all computer
technology during the same period. The improved
functionality, usability, and performance of
IMPAC II are built upon the solid foundation of
its predecessor system.
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First There Was EAM

• Even before IMPAC I, there was the Electronic
  Accounting Machine (EAM), an electro-mechanical
  device for producing reports using data provided
  by the ICs.
• The Information for Management, Planning,
  Analysis, and Coordination system was born in the
  late 1960s when the NIH identified a need to
  centrally track research applications from
  receipt through final grant closeout.
• Contractors from George Washington University
  programmed IMPAC in COBOL, Assembler, and RPG,
  storing the data in ISAM files.

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From Honeywell to IBM

• The IMPAC system then was turned over to the
  Division of Research Grants (DRG, now the Center
  for Scientific Review or CSR) for maintenance and
  future development, and the hardware was
  converted from Honeywell to IBM.
• DRGs Data Capture Unit was responsible for
  keypunching, which was the primary tool for
  inputting data.

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IMPAC I Goes to ICs

• In the early 1970s, IMPAC I was opened to the
  other ICs and data retrieval routines were
  developed (including IRS queries, RAID, and
  Snapshot).
• The Committee Management Information System
  (CMIS) and the Computer Retrieval of Information
  on Scientific Projects (CRISP) were implemented,
  and CRISP and contracts data were added to IMPAC.

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Many Changes through 80s and 90s

• VSAM replaced ISAM, and ANSI COBOL became the
  coding language.
• Users could log on to WYLBUR or TSO on the CIT
  mainframe and access systems such as DRGINFO,
  S-CRISP, and Snapshot.
• The Joint Funding File was created to accommodate
  awards funded by two or more institutes.
• The ICD Mini Files allowed users to access IMPAC
  information by IC and reduced online time.
  Developers built interactive systems such as the
  IRG Interface, Simplified System for Reports
  (SSR), and the Interactive Award System (IAS) to
  enable the ICs and IRGs to input review data,
  recommendations, and council actions and to
  process awards.
• DRGs Receipt and Review Unit began inputting
  application assignments into the system.

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Enhancements Added

• During the same period, enhancements enabled
  IMPAC data to be reconciled with data from the
  ICs, DFM, and other DHHS agencies.
• IMPAC data also was automatically transferred to
  the central accounting system and financial
  status information database.

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Upgrades and Interfaces

• Upgrades continued into the mid-1990s, and new
  interfaces permitted the external community to
  view DRGs committee rosters.
• Grantee organizations began submitting their
  financial status reports electronically.
• With system retirement one year away, the IMPAC I
  system will not be modified further however, the
  database will be updated with IMPAC II data for
  the foreseeable future.

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Thanks!

• IMPAC I definitely set the precedent. IMPAC II
  has some mighty shoes to fill.
• Congratulations to the developers and the
  caretakers of the Legacy system.