The evolution of the NMC global data assimilation system in the period 1978–81 is presented. The improvements include revisions to the analysis programs and the replacement of the initialization and the prediction model. Data are analyzed over a finer analysis grid, are scrutinized by a more thorough “buddy cheek,” and are subject to a multivariate wind relationship. The impact of the changes upon the wind analysis is examined with respect to the case of 1200 GMT, 21 October 1979. The system changes concurrent with the addition of the spectral prediction model are noted. Experimental evidence demonstrates the superiority of the spectral system with respect to the gridpoint system previously in use.