TARIF-the first MoD mobile store-and-forward system: `the solution that found a problem´

TARIF (Telegraph Automatic Routing in the Field) is an experimental computer-controlled telegraph message switching equipment designed at the Signals Research and Development Establishment, Christchurch (SRDE), for tactical use by the army. Before 1970 message switching was done manually in both static and mobile tape relay centres although in 1971 computer-controlled equipment was being introduced in many static centres. The development of small rugged processors and stores made it feasible to use such equipment in mobile communication systems where the advantages were even greater than those to be gained in static systems. Great difficulty was being experienced in operating manual tape relay systems in the field owing to the cramped working conditions, exposure to the weather and operator fatigue. The introduction of automatic equipment was intended to alleviate those difficulties as well as providing the overall advantages of a quicker and more efficient communications system with a saving in manpower