Email attachment received from Joe Annino on August 11, 2002    

     CACI's first product was Simulation with Simscript training. The compiler was available for the IBM 709 from The Rand Corporation. Subsequently the company developed two lines of business--compilers, and projects. The early projects were for models written in Simscript, but the Company's projects are now, largely, unrelated to its products.

     Herb Karr signed a contract with IBM, and, subsequently, Control Data Corporation, Philco, and the Navy to implement Simscript I.5 compilers. In these cases, the compilers were delivered to the buyers. A second generation language, Simscript II.5, was introduced in 1970 and compilers were developed for all the major computer models. However, this time CACI retained the rights and sold copies. Simscript II.5 was thus one of the first software products offered in the industry.

     Harry Markowitz is a genius. Simscript, just one of Harry's innovations, is ideal for a broad range of applications, in addition to simulation. For example, Simscipt compilers are themselves written in Simscript and moved to new platforms through a bootstrap technique devised by Markowitz. Because the compilers are themselves written in a higher language they remain unchanged regardless of the computer architecture. Thus the cost and time needed to port Simscipt to a new platform are a fraction of what is required using the conventional method-assembly language. Furthermore, when enhancements are made, the improved versions can be quickly ported to all platforms thus maintaining application portability.

     Herb was a great mentor and a great promoter. His philosophy was to hire the best people he could and provide them with an environment that allowed them to succeed while the company succeeded. Those that didn't buy in to tying their success to the company's moved on.

     Herb instituted regular two-day planning sessions with each manager-the student. Participants were the student and two levels of management above him The outline for these sessions consisted of standard reports prepared by the student. The sessions were intended to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the student, coach the student and provide the managers with the student's views. During the session a list of action items was developed for the student to implement upon his return to the office. These sessions were usually held in desirable locations like Acapulco, Mexico, because they were so intense. The early evenings were dedicated to "bar time" to give everyone the chance to say whatever was on their mind. At the end of the day everyone needed to play. Herb believed in advertising and he was very good at it.

     While Markowitz had invented a great product, Herb successfully promoted the product through great advertising. His hard-sell advertising, and management style, were greatly influenced by David Ogilvy. For example, an ad intended to induce computer manufacturers to get Simscript was addressed to computer buyers. The headline read: "Keep your money out of sight unless they promise Simscript." It worked.    Herb was generous. He expected a lot but, when he could, he gave a lot. Herb Karr died in 1990 at the Stanford Medical Center.

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