Preface Code in these directories implements a blackboard architecture as described in the paper "Implementing a Blackboard Architecture in a VAX/VMS Environment", presented at the 1990 DECUS Spring Symposium. The paper is included in the Spring 1990 DECUS PROCEDINGS and can also be obtained from the author: Frederick S. Schebor KMS Fusion Inc. 700 KMS Place P.O. Box 1567 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1567 (313) 769-8500 The paper (minus figures, fancy fonts, etc.) is also included in the AAAREADME.DOC files as follows: [.SUBMISSION] - Abstract, Introduction, discussion, References [.BLACKBOARD] - VAX/VMS implementation [.BLACKBOARD_EXAMPLE] - Tic-Tac-Toe example Instructions on building the system, support routines, example and other implementation/execution notes can be found at the end of the AAAREADME.DOC files. Questions, concerns and/or comments from users is welcome at the above address. Abstract Artificial Intelligence research has produced a number of problem solving architectures. Although not as well known as expert systems or neural nets, the blackboard architecture continues to be an extremely useful and flexible tool for general purpose problem solving. This paper serves a twofold purpose: 1) to introduce the blackboard architecture and 2) to show how VMS features can be used in implementing a blackboard architecture. The first part of the paper includes a discussion of request-centered control and its application to the blackboard style of problem solving. The second part of the paper discusses the issues involved in implementing the blackboard architecture on a VAX computer under the VMS operating system. The emphasis is placed on using system utilities, functions and mechanisms, wherever possible. Doing this makes the implementation task easier.