The Department of Defense (DOD) is spending an estimated $6 billion on software each year, and this budget is forecasted to increase by 15 to 20 percent annually. In recognition of this software cost spiral and to halt the proliferation of computer programming languages, DOD has sponsored the development of a new language-called Ada-to provide a standard, computer-independent high order language for major defense systems software. Ada is expected to have widespread application throughout DOD and will require training for thousands of individuals. Control Data is developing a solution to the Ada training problem using the Control Data PLATO® computer-based education system.