The revolution of personal micro computers into full function professional workstations opens new opportunities for improving the design, engineering and manufacturing productivity of potential users who cannot afford the high cost of present day computer aided engineering (CAE) and related systems. The continued development of low cost microprocessors promises to remove the current price barrier of CAE and related systems and to accelerate the usage of these tools within industry and government. The proposed research will focus on the implications of 32-bit processor technology vi -a- vis 16-bit and 8-bit processor technology. It will define those applications in which 32-bit technology is required or useful, identify software that needs to be developed in order to allow full use of 32-bit technology, and provide a basis upon which to develop commercially feasible software products and services for the 32-bit marketplace.
