Advertisement

Research and Advances

From under the rubble: computing and the resuscitation of Romania

How does an entire country return to life? The dictatorship of Nicolae and Elena Ceaucescu turned Romania into a political, social and economic wasteland that was vividly pictured in the world media after the overthrow of the Stalinist couple in December 1989. Their regime left the country in shambles: with an old or mangled physical plant, a currency worthless abroad and nearly worthless at home, a legacy of secret police abuses, terrible health and sanitary conditions, and a highly centralized, warped, and inefficient scientific and industrial infrastructure.
Research and Advances

Software: recommendations for an export control policy

The control of computer technology exports, for both hardware and software, is being actively debated in government and industry circles. At the request of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Computer Network Critical Technology Expert Group (CNCTEG) was established with the support of the Electronics Industries Association and the Computer Business Equipment Manufacturers Association. The task of the CNCTEG was to assess critical technologies associated with computer networks, and to make recommendations regarding the control of the export of such technologies. The formulation of a reasonable export control policy for software has remained a particularly difficult matter that has frustrated both the U.S. government and industry. This article presents the CNCTEG's initial recommendations for the export control of software. This material is presented in the belief that open, active discussion among members of the information processing community will be helpful in advancing the development of a sound national policy regarding the export of software products and know-how.

Shape the Future of Computing

ACM encourages its members to take a direct hand in shaping the future of the association. There are more ways than ever to get involved.

Get Involved