June 8, 1995
I am writing to express my strong support for the High Performance Computing and Communications Initiative (HPCCI). HPCCI -- through the Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) and the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Computer and Information Science and engineering -- is responsible for much of the nation's fundamental research in the critical field of information technology.
Information technology is vital to our society. The United States is the recognized leader in information technology globally. Information technology companies are a cornerstone of our economy and one of its most rapidly growin gsectors. Much of this country's success in the field comes from the kinds of long-term partnerships among government, academia and industry that are fostered by the HPCCI.
Dismantling the High Performance Computing and Communications Initiative and the ARPA and NSF information technology research programs would have serious long-term implications for U.S. industry and U.S. competitiveness. We cannot afford to lose one of the few edges that we have.
I urge you to support continued funding of this valuable initiative.
Nathan Myhrvold Group Vice President Applications and Content