Computer conference

Press, 21 August 1979, Page 18

Computer conference

Mr David Page, general manager and executive director, of CBL Holdings, Ltd, the Christchurch-based computer service bureau and software house, delivered a keynote address at the opening of the DECUS 1979 Symposium yesterday. One of New Zealand’s top two independently-owned computer service bureaus, CBL derives just more than 50 per cent of its $6 million turnover from its well-estab-lished batch-processing operations. However, revenue from time-sharing service is growing rapidly, and estimated at 20 per cent of all revenue by the end of the year.

Four Digital Equipment

PDP 11/70 systems have been installed in CBL’s Auckland, Hamilton, and Christchurch centres for online, time-sharing services. A further PDP 11/70 system planned for Auckland, later this year, will further expand this facility.

“Ten of the top 100 New, Zealand companies are i among our clients,” said Mr Page. “While computer hardware costs are coming down on a general scale in New Zealand, they are still just out of reach for most companies.” The Digital Equipment Computer Users Society is holding its 1979 conference at the University of Canterbury this week. Speakers and delegates from all over the world nave gathered in Christchurch to examine the many practical applications of computers, to compare experiences, to examine new developments. and to speculate on the future role of the computer.