CAN Expertise Center

Computer algebra (CA), or symbolic computation, is about all software and algorithms that enable to use a computer for computations with symbols, and not only with floating point numbers, as is the case with numerical software. Computer algebra systems, like Maple and Mathematica, are for instance capable of solving polynomial equations, of differentiating and integrating functions, of generating Taylor expansions. This all is done in a very user friendly way. Quite often numerical and graphical features are added. Also a high level programming language, tailored to mathematical use, can be part of such a system.

Computer Algebra Netherlands (CAN) has as its goal the stimulation and coordination of the use of computer algebra. It is an independent non-profit organization, which started with funds from the Dutch government. A long term aim is to become self-supporting.

In 1989 the establishment of the CAN Expertise Center was made possible by financial support of the Dutch government, through subsidies received from the Dutch research council NWO and SURF, the Dutch organization supervising computer services in education and research. The Center supports researchers and users of computer algebra by the following services:

Giving access to CA via accounts on dedicated powerful computing facilities. All kinds of CA software can be tried out and large computations can be made. All well known systems are available, but also special purpose software. There are institutional accounts that also give access to computer algebra service, and there are personal accounts for individuals.
An information server for computer algebra is in continuous development, which contains information about various CA systems. The first version was running under GOPHER, presently it is under WWW. An ftp-archive is maintained by CAN with all kinds of public domain CA software (connect with name anonymous to ftp.can.nl). Also the network libraries of REDUCE and Maple are to be found at the CAN machines.
A newsletter is published regularly with information about computer algebra, seminars and conferences, new versions of systems, book reviews, and more.
Courses and trainings for various computer algebra systems on an introductory and advanced level are offered regularly. Scientific seminars are organized, such as SCAFI, on applications of computer algebra in industry.
Consultancy can be offered for projects where CA is involved. The scientific background of CAN ensures a high quality.

Anybody interested in the CAN Expertise Center or its services can contact it at

Expertisecentrum CAN
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Faculteit WINS
Nieuwe Achtergracht 170
1018 WV Amsterdam

Telephone +31 20 5255723
Telefax +31 20 5255866
E-mail gastel@can.nl or heck@can.nl

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webmaster@can.nl
Last Update: February 19, 1996