MSC Computer Operations History

• 1983 - The MSC's first computer systems where acquired under the direction of the Associate Director with one student worker; services were very limited with only a handful of terminals; prior to this time, the only computer resources and services used by the MSC were provided by TAMU's DPC (now the CIS); eventually the student worker became a part-time staff member; most applications were custom-written in house to meet specific needs.

• 1984 - The annual budget for the 1984-85 school year was $33,470.

• 1986 - The first full-time staff member was hired for MSC Computer Operations after the part-time staff member left to pursue further studies.

• 1987 - The first desktop computers were purchased; in the first year they paid for themselves with savings of typesetting costs.

• 1988 - A graduated student worker was hired as a second full-time staff member to develop and maintain custom applications.

• 1989 - A Hewlett-Packard minicomputer with advanced database tools was purchased with terminals to provide computer resources for all staff and operating areas.

• 1994 - A connection was made with the campus network to enable email and Gopher services.

• 1995 - A web server was installed at no cost; the original site content was copied from a technical writing class group project about the MSC.

• 1996 - Terminals were replaced with desktop computers for all staff; internet access was made available to all stations; a third full-time staff member was hired to train and support users.

• 2001 - Secure e-commerce with acceptance of electronic payment was implemented; $250,000 was received online in the first six months.