Computing Consortium Formed to Eliminate Computer Failures

Michael Mewhinney ,
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

Phone: 650/604-3937, 650/604-9000

mmewhinney@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Anne Watzman

Carnegie Mellon University

Phone: 650/604-9000 (Dec. 7-11), 412/268-3830

Aw16@andrew.cmu.edu

NOTE TO EDITORS: 00-81AR

Details of a new High Dependability Computing Consortium (HDCC), whose
mission is to eliminate failures in computing systems critical to the
welfare of society, will be announced on Monday, Dec. 11, during a news
conference at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA.

The news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. (PST) in the Moffett
Training and Conference Center, Building 3. During the news conference,
officials from NASA, Carnegie Mellon University and industry will be
available to discuss the significance of dependable computing to critical
areas such as air traffic control, space exploration, Internet
communication and health care. News conference panelists will include NASA
Ames Center Director Dr. Henry McDonald, Carnegie Mellon University
President Dr. Jared L. Cohon, Raymond J. Lane, general partner, Kleiner
Perkins Caulfield and Byers, and Dr. James H. Morris, dean, Carnegie Mellon
School of Computer Science.

Skyworker, a robot from Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute, will
demonstrate the importance of computer dependability prior to and following
the news conference at 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. (PST). Reporters are
invited to join press conference participants and attendees for lunch
following the news conference. Reporters unable to attend the conference in
person may also participate via a two-way telephone hook-up by calling
650/604-3396. The line will be activated at 10:15 a.m. (PST).

To reach NASA Ames, take the Moffett Field exit off U.S. 101 and drive east
to the Main Gate, Moffett Field. News media will need to present valid
press credentials and/or photo identification at the Visitor Badging
Office, Main Gate, Moffett Field, in order to gain entry. Maps to Building
3 will be available at the Main Gate.