DCNA

In April 1977, research began on the Data Communications Network Architecture (DCNA) to enable mutual use of resources among different types of computers. This joint research was conducted by five companies (the Electrical Communication Laboratories of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, NEC, Hitachi, Fujitsu, and Oki Electric Industry). It was done against a backdrop of progress in networking, greater sophistication and diversification of terminal capabilities, and progress toward higher-level communications line networks (packet switching and digital integration).