Networking also plays a vital role in the distribution of processing technology. Networks link hundreds or even thousands of individual computers or work stations and use each of them as a processing unit.
But Kung says that much work remains to be done in this field.
"Networking is where most of the future's computing will be," he says. "It's where all the actions are. Today we are still in the kindergarten level when we look at what networking has done for us."
In addition to improving high-performance networks, Kung says, computer scientists and electrical engineers must work hard to ensure that their products are reliable.
Researchers have managed to double the speed of fiber optic transmission every 18 months since its invention, for instance. But this has not translated into error-free operation, Kung says.
"We are not end-users," he says, referring to himself and his fellow computer researchers. "We are the ones who build these systems. So if we don't do a good job, society is going to suffer" in terms of costs and computer-related accidents.
Kung says that researchers' responsibilities are "enormous."
"Nobody can take this lightly," he says. "We have to be socially responsible."
Because he will continue researching at Carnegie-Mellon, Kung will spend just one week per month at Harvard this semester. During his time here he will help teach a computer science class on networking.
Kung says he plans to move to Cambridge in May and to become more involved at Harvard in the fall semester.
Paul C. Martin '52, dean of the division of applied sciences, said Kung's arrival signifies Harvard's commitment to remaining at the frontier of high-technology research and development in the United States.
"We've been very eager to find an outstanding person who does computer systems," says Martin.
"Professor Kung is one of the major computer architects anywhere,' says Martin. "We expect him to have a major influence in computer systems at Harvard."
"We view Professor Kung as a key appointment," says Martin, though he adds that the division intends to make further appointments in the field.