Commentary on start of scientific data transmissions with USSR

Initiatives for the initiation of long-range data transmission in the GDR are reported as well as the advantages of the state automated system for scientific and technical information (SASWTI). Access to data banks of the International Center for Scientific and Technical Information which contains R&D results from the USSR and other CEMA countries requires standardization of computer programs and compatibility of bibliographic document description. Procedures were created for establishing an integrated standardized retrospective data base. The introduction of network technology is faced with a series of difficulties and unsolved problems. The information network of the USSR Academy of Sciences is making a major contribution to the development of the SASWTI by providing the user with information in the data bases of the individual research centers. A number of funding and legal questions must be settled.