NATL INST OF STAND & TECH

AlllOb T7fi2E7

National Bureau

of Standards

Computer Science

and Technology

NBS

PUBLICATIONS

NBS Special Publication 500- 11

4

Introduction to

Software Packages

GC100

.U57

500-114

c .a
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards' was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology

and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts

research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau's technical work is per- formed by the National Measurement Laboratory, the National Engineering Laboratory, and

the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology.

THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT LABORATORY provides the national system of

physical and chemical and materials measurement; coordinates the system with measurement

systems of other nations and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform

physical and chemical measurement throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry,

and commerce; conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement,

standards, and data on the properties of materials needed by industry, commerce, educational

institutions, and Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government

agencies; develops, produces, and distributes Standard Reference Materials; and provides

calibration services. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Absolute Physical Quantities^ — Radiation Research — Chemical Physics —

Analytical Chemistry — Materials Science

THE NATIONAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY provides technology and technical ser- vices to the public and private sectors to address national needs and to solve national problems; conducts research in engineering and applied science in support of these efforts; builds and maintains competence in the necessary disciplines required to carry out this research and technical service; develops engineering data and measurement capabilities;

• provides engineering measurement traceability services; develops test methods and proposes

engineering standards and code changes; develops and proposes new engineering practices;

and develops and improves mechanisms to transfer results of its research to the ultimate user. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Applied Mathematics — Electronics and Electrical Engineering^ — Manufacturing

Engineering — Building Technology — Fire Research — Chemical Engineering^

THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts

research and provides scientific and technical services to aid Federal agencies in the selection, acquisition, application, and use of computer technology to improve effectiveness and

economy in Government operations in accordance with Public Law 89-306 (40 U.S.C. 759), relevant Executive Orders, and other directives; carries out this mission by managing the Federal Information Processing Standards Program, developing Federal ADP standards

guidelines, and managing Federal participation in ADP voluntary standardization activities; provides scientific and technological advisory services and assistance to Federal agencies; and

provides the technical foundation for computer-related policies of the Federal Government.

The Institute consists of the following centers:

Programming Science and Technology — Computer Systems Engineering.

'Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, MD, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, DC 20234. 'Some divisions within the center are located at Boulder, CO 80303.
•UATIONfiL BUREAU Computer Science

and Technology

Software Packages

Systems and Software Technology Division

Center for Programming Science and Technology

Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

r

NBS Special Publication 500-1 1

4

Introduction to 0 07

Sheila Frankel, editor ^

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

National Bureau of Standards

Ernest Ambler, Director

Issued April 1 984
Reports on Computer Science and Technology

The National Bureau of Standards has a special responsibility within the Federal

Government for computer science and technology activities. The programs of the

NBS Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology are designed to provide ADP

standards, guidelines, and technical advisory services to improve the effectiveness

of computer utilization in the Federal sector, and to perform appropriate research

and development efforts as foundation for such activities and programs. This

publication series will report these NBS efforts to the Federal computer community as

well as to interested specialists in the academic and private sectors. Those wishing

to receive notices of publications in this series should complete and return the form

at the end of this publication.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 84-601045

National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 500-1 14

Natl. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Spec. Publ. 500-1 14, 57 pages (Apr. 1984)

CODEN: XNBSAV

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1984

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 Scope 3

1.2 Format 5

1 . 3 Summary 5

1.3.1 Purpose of this document 5

1.3.2 Why is this important? 6

1.3.3 Why should a package be considered now? 8

1.3.4 Conclusion 8

2.0 APPLICATION SOFTWARE PACKAGES 9

2.1 Software Package Definition 9

2.2 Applications 10

2.2.1 Budget/project management 11

2.2.2 Financial management/accounting 11

2.2.3 Payroll 13

2.2.4 Personnel 14

2.2.5 Supply/logistics/inventory control 16

2.2.6 Library/reference 16

2.2.7 Office automation/word processing 18

2.2.8 Mathematical/statistical 18

2.3 Sources Of Software Packages 18

2.4 Advantages Of Software Packages 21

2.5 Disadvantages Of Software Packages 22

2.6 Deciding To Buy, Build, Or Tailor 24

2.7 Environmental Considerations 25

3.0 LEARNING ABOUT SOFTWARE PACKAGES 27

3.1 Overcoming The Terminology Hurdle 27

iii
Page

3.2 Information Sources 28

3.2.1 Periodicals 29

3.2.2 Directories 30

3.2.3 Reference services 31

3.2.4 Trade newspapers 34

3.2.5 Vendor literature 34

3.2.6 Organizations 35

3.2.7 Gathering information from the sources 35

3.3 Reference Matrix And Descriptions 36

3.3.1 How to use the Reference Matrix 36

Reference Matrix Legend 38

3.3.2 Periodical descriptions .... 43

REFERENCES 52

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 ADP Applications 4

Table 2 Benefits of Software Packages 7

Table 3 Human Resources Management Systems Data 15

Table 4 Office Automation Functions 19

Table 5 Sources of Software Packages 20

Table 6 Reference Services Matrix 33

Table 7 Reference Matrix

.

40

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Document Format 6

Figure 2 Financial Management Packages 12

Figure 3 Payroll Processing 13

Figure 4 Inventory Control/Order Processing Functions .... 17

Figure 5 Literature Search Process 28

iv
INTRODUCTION

TO

SOFTWARE PACKAGES

S. Frankel, editor

This document provides an introduction to

applications software packages. It encourages

the use of software packages as an alternative

to in-house development and directs potential

users of software packages to sources of useful

information. Application areas which are

currently supported by software packages are

reviewed and the benefits of software package

use versus in-house development are discussed.

This document includes an annotated list of

publications which may be useful to potential

users of software packages in searching for a package to perform a specific application, and

in critically evaluating the merits of different

packages

.

Key words: applications software packages; off-the shelf

software; packages; software applications; software packages.

- 1

-
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This report was funded by the National Bureau of Standards'

Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology under U.S.

Department of Commerce Contract NB82SBCA1 634 . The contributors

to the report, as submitted by Science Applications, Inc. were

J. A. McCall, Dr. M.A. Herndon, L.J.B. Browning, H.E.

Campbell, C.A. Mayers, and L.J. Metzger.

NOTE

In no case does identification of commercial products,

publications or services imply recommendation or endorsement by

the National Bureau of Standards, nor does it imply that the

product, publication or service identified is necessarily the

best available for the purpose.

- 2 -
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Economic conditions of small to medium-sized businesses and

the availability of low cost computer hardware have

significantly contributed to the growth of the data

processing software package industry. This expansion, of

both the software industry and the software package

marketplace, has resulted in a wide variety of application

packages that can be implemented on various hardware

configurations. Due to this growth, the traditional concept

of the inherent superiority of custom developed software has

changed. Off-the-shelf software has become more widely

employed as the variety and quality of packages have

improved. Government has been somewhat slow, however, to

capitalize on the recent software package boom.

Although the marketplace offers a large variety of software

packages, some barriers are encountered in the selection of

the proper package for a particular application. One barrier

is the seemingly simple task of locating sources of

information which describe available software packages. Due

to the immense amount of information available today about

the computer industry, this task presents an initial hurdle

to the functional manager in Government or commercial

business. The sheer number of magazines, newspapers,

periodicals and journals is discouraging, especially when the

computer science-oriented language and terminology may be

difficult to understand. Another, even more important,

barrier is the decision process involved in effectively and

efficiently choosing a package. This process is not simple.

Thorough planning is required before an appropriate

acquisition can be made.

1 . 1 Scope

The National Bureau of Standards' Institute for Computer

Sciences and Technology (ICST) is developing guidance for use

by Government personnel who are considering the purchase of

off-the-shelf software products. ICST has been assisted in

their efforts by Science Applications, Inc. (SAI). This

document, produced by SAI, can be used as a reference

document or directory. It contains information about the

types of software packages which are available, the reasons

for considering the purchase of a software package, methods

for locating sources of information which describe software

packages, and ways to effectively use this available

information.

- 3 -
A subsequent document is planned, which will describe a decision process for evaluating and selecting the best

package for a specific application.

The types of software packages considered in this document

include those that support functional managers in Government.

These managers direct functions which are typically performed

by most organizations (either Government or private business

sector), such as personnel and project management,

administration, budget and financial management, and

inventory control. These functions are commonly considered

end-user applications. They include such traditional

applications as accounting and payroll, but have expanded

rapidly in recent years also to include such diverse

functions as word processing and office automation. The

functional application areas listed in Table 1 will be

discussed in this guide.

Table 1 - ADP Applications

Budget management

Project management

Financial management

Accounting

Payroll

Personnel

Supply /logistics/ inventory control

Library /reference

Office automation/word processing

Mathematical/statistical

Not considered in this document are software packages which

enhance the performance of the data processing system itself,

such as system software packages and software tools for the

data processing staff. These types of packages are discussed

in NBS Special Publication 500-88 [H0UG82]. The many home

and hobby computer applications available for microcomputers

are also not considered.

The information contained in this guide was obtained from

current editions of periodicals and other reference

materials. In such a rapidly expanding field as software

packages, information becomes obsolete very quickly.

Therefore, this document concentrates on the process that

should be followed in selecting a package and the sources of

information which can be explored in this process. Specific

examples are kept to a minimum and are only provided to

- 4 -
illustrate the recommended process. There is no intention of

rating current packages or of endorsing any one package over

another in this guide.

Much of the explosion of package availability in the

marketplace is due to the advent of low cost microcomputers.

This document is net limited to any specific computer size

nor to any particular size of off-the-shelf package. The

processes and references discussed in this guide apply to the

selection of software packages which are available for

mainframe computers, as well as microcomputers.

This document is intended for a broad audience: managers,

users, and computer personnel of diverse backgrounds and

levels of expertise, who are considering ways to provide

computerized support to their organizations.

1.2 Format

This document contains three chapters, as shown in Figure 1

.

Chapter 1 .0 includes a general introduction and an executive

summary of this document, its purpose and intended audience.

Chapter 2.0 defines application software packages, discusses

the various ADP application areas for which packages are

available, describes the benefits software packages can

provide and provides guidance on how to assess whether or not

an organization is ready to purchase a software package. In

Chapter 3.0, techniques for obtaining information on

available software packages are presented. These techniques

provide potential users with details ranging from where to

look for information to the usefulness of various types of

services

.

1 . 3 Summary

1.3.1 Purpose of this document

The goal of this document is twofold. First, it discusses

the option of solving automation/modernization problems with

off-the-shelf software packages. Second, it provides useful,

practical, and easily-accessible information about sources of

information on available software packages.

The format and style of this document are oriented toward

assisting functionally-oriented Government managers in making

decisions about whether a software package can meet their

requirements. The data is presented in a stepwise, tutorial

style that emphasizes relevant and pragmatic points

- 5 -
concerning the pros and cons of off-the-shelf software. Case

studies are presented to illustrate these points.

+ --• + SECTION I: INTRODUCTION

o Scope

o Format

0 Summary

SECTION 2: ADP SOFTWARE PACKAGES

o Software Package Definition

o ADP Application Areas

o Sources of Packages

o Advantages

o Disadvantages

o Deciding to Buy or Build

o Environmental

Considerations

SECTION 3: LEARNING ABOUT

SOFTWARE PACKAGES

o Overcoming the

Terminology Hurdle

o Information Sources

o Reference Matrix

For all readers

For readers who

are looking into

software packages

for the first

time

An overview of

benefits and considerations when

beginning to look

at software packages

For all readersGuidance on how

to use reference

material and publications—where

to look

Figure 1 - Document Format

1.3.2 Why is this important?

Stimulated by the advent of microcomputers, the number of

software packages has increased dramatically in the last few

years, creating a multi-billion dollar market. Predictions

for future growth range from 25% to 50% per year. Thus,

packages suitable for a specific application area are

increasingly likely to be available. These packages

potentially have significant benefits. The benefits

typically realized are illustrated in Table 2.

Since an off-the-shelf package can be purchased and installed

rapidly, return on investment can be realized more quickly

than with custom program development. Experiences reported

by companies reveal the expense of a package may, for

example, be paid back by cost savings within one year.

- 6 -
Table 2 Benefits of Software Packages

BENEFIT EXPLANATION

Immediate Availability Does not involve the long lead

Lime associaueu wiun cusi-om

development of a software

system

.

Visible, Known Cost The price for a software package is the quoted price, with

no hidden expenses. Custom

developments are often difficult to estimate, tend to

realize overruns, and associated maintenance costs are

usually higher.

Lower Cost The price of off-the-shelf

software is lower because

development costs may be

spread among a number of

users. It is typically much

lower unan une cost oi a custom development. This

applies to purchase price, and

training and maintenance costs

as well.

Documentati on Software packages come with

user documentation, which can

be read before purchase. Poor

Qocumcn bi on j.o one ux unc

typical failings of a custom

development

.

Reliability In most cases, software packages have been well tested,

used by other organizations,

and some degree of confidence

can be assumed in their performance. Custom developments

must be tested and usually

contain latent errors.

- 7

-
There are, of course, potential disadvantages of software

packages, the primary one being that a package may not meet

all of an organization's unique requirements. This

disadvantage, along with the concerns of vendor stability and

package reliability, are the problems most often cited by

customers of software packages. Both of these concerns are

becoming less significant as vendors are learning more about

building packages which are flexible and easily tailored to

an organization's unique environment. The expanding and

profitable package market has also realized the entrance and

growth of more stable vendors.

1.3.3 Why should a package be considered now?

There are several reasons why the purchase of a software

package may be preferred to the in-house development of a system. Many current ADP applications systems are up to 20

years old, batch-oriented, and do not provide the

productivity gains, responsiveness, and flexibility available

with current technology. Custom development, however, is

expensive. Most organizations have a backlog of applications

that cannot be implemented because of budget constraints,

personnel commitments, and the maintenance requirements of

existing systems. Thus, consideration should be given to the

acquisition of appropriate software packages to replace or

upgrade existing services and to provide services not

previously available to the organization. As a result of the

rapidly expanding market for software packages, many firms

have entered the competition to produce and market packaged

software. This increased competition has resulted in better

responsiveness to the needs of the customer, and a wider

range of available applications from which to choose.

1.3.^ Conclusion

Software packages have become strong alternatives to custom

development of a system and should be explored whenever a new

ADP application or the replacement or upgrade of an existing

system is being considered. This document, in conjunction

with subsequent NBS publications, provides guidance on how

software packages can be considered, evaluated, selected, and

effectively implemented.

\

- 8 -
2.0 APPLICATION SOFTWARE PACKAGES

This section provides the definition of a software package,

gives examples of those applications supported by software

packages that can be useful to Government personnel,

discusses in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of

software packages, and identifies potential sources of these

packages

.

2.1 Software Package Definition

"Software package" is a commonly used term; however, its

general, widespread usage has resulted in different meanings.

The origins of software packages can be traced to the 1960s.

The Program Application Library on the IBM 1400 series

computer, the MARK IV package by Informatics, and the

Autoflow package by Applied Data Research were some of the

first software packages developed. What made them unique was

that one of the goals of each of these packages was to be

usable (or transportable) on a number of different types of

computers [WELK80]. One of the most significant events in

the evolution of software packages was IBM's decision in 1969

to "unbundle", or offer software separately from hardware,

training and documentation. Software products became

recognized as distinct entities, separately priced from

computer hardware. Most of the initially unbundled software

products or packages were system software packages. These

packages were intended primarily to enhance the performance

of the ADP system and included, for example, compilers, sort

utilities, and data base management systems.

Prompted at least in part by the increasingly widespread use

of microcomputers, the recent explosion in both the number

and popularity of software packages has resulted in a number

of distinct classes of packages. Software tools aid in the

development of computer programs; systems packages analyze

or improve the performance of a component of the system;

data base management systems organize, interrogate, and

update data files.

Application software packages are the class of software

packages considered in this document. They both directly and

indirectly support functional managers, concerned with such

areas as personnel and project management, administration,

inventory control, budget and financial management, word

processing and office automation, and support functions

typically performed in most organizations, whether Government

or private sector. Specialized functions such as process

control, airline reservation systems and military embedded

weapon systems are not included in this definition. Systems

- 9 -
software packages and software tools are also not included.

Another key in this definition of software packages is that

the software is developed with the intent to sell the package

to a number of customers. This implies that the package has

already been developed and is offered for immediate delivery.

This type of package is often called off-the-shelf software,

implying that no further development is required for the

package to be used.

The majority of application software packages share the

following characteristics;

o They are frequently leased or licensed, rather than sold.

o They are usually provided in object code form and

restricted to certain computer systems for use.

o User documentation is provided with the package.

o Maintenance of the package is separately priced, but a warranty period is often provided.

o Training is provided, perhaps separately priced.

o Updates to the package are expected.

o Installation of the package is sometimes provided by the

vendor

.

2.2 Applications

Software packages support an increasing number of functions

within the business environment. Some of the major classes

of packages used by private industry, and available for

Federal government consideration, are discussed in this

section. Not all applications are included. Rather, the

following discussions are intended to illustrate the types

and range of functions provided by available packages.

- 10 -
2.2.1 Budget/project management

The many budget/project management software packages

available differ significantly in the scope of their graphics

and analysis capabilities, their approach, and their target

management objectives. The basic functions provided by these

packages are the planning and tracking of schedules, labor,

material, and subcontract costs. Summary reports show costs

and task completion to date with budget and planned schedule

comparisons and variance analysis. Some of the functions

provided under this applications category are:

0 Pert

o CPM

o Job control

o Resource allocation

o Production planning

o Plant management

o Shop floor control

o Project control

o Capacity planning

0 Production forecasting

Data Sources [DATA83] identifies over 80 vendors of these

types of packages which range in price from $125 to $100,000.

2.2.2 Financial management/accounting

Financial management/accounting software packages include

accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger

functions. The primary benefits derived from automation of

these functions are the increased timeliness of reports (such

as payments due and delinquent payments), the ability to

accurately and easily balance invoices against payment

commitments, the continuous monitoring of assets, and the

immediate recognition of problem areas.

Accounts receivable software packages attempt to maximize

profits and minimize losses from bad debts. They contain

customer account files, produce monthly invoices, balance

accounts, process payments, issue overdue statements, trigger

debt collection procedures, and provide various status

reports to management. Packages differ in the extent to

which data is automatically checked to insure accuracy.

Accounts payable software packages attempt to improve

utilization of cash and manage payments to suppliers. They

typically contain a vendor file, a scheduled payments file, a paid-but-uncleared check file, and an historical file. They

provide capabilities for checking invoices from suppliers

- 11 -
against supplies and services received, scheduling and

sending payments, reconciling payments, examining and

planning commitments, maintaining an audit trail, and

allocating payments to different organizational units. The

amount of human intervention required to control the outflow

of payments varies for these packages.

General ledger software packages typically contain a master

account file, and some packages also include account posting

distribution files and historical ledger data files. These

packages are concerned primarily with providing management

with insight into the organization's solvency, its

assets-versus-liabilities status, and the performance of its

various sub-organizational entities. The benefits of

computerization of general ledger functions depend upon the

level of detail and timing of postings to the general ledger

within any specific organization. The more transaction

details that are recorded, and the more often transactions

are posted (accounting cycle) to the general ledger, the more

advantageous computerization becomes.

Integrated accounting software packages, also called

financial management systems, combine the previously

mentioned accounting functions into an integrated package.

They include billings, auditing, fixed assets, accounting,

tax accounting, telecommunications, a control system, and

interfaces to payroll, personnel, inventory, banking, and

sales

.

Figure 2 identifies the number of vendors, price ranges, and

number of installations for these types of packages.

Number of Number of

Vendors Price Range Installations

Accounts

Receivable 36 $1,000- 55,000 6,010

Accounts

Payable 44 600- 60,000 9,231

General

Ledger 30 700- 40,000 7,321

Integrated

Accounting 57 2,000-700,000 24,775

Figure 2 - Financial Management Packages [AUER82]

- 12 -
2.2.3 Payroll

Payroll was one of the first applications to be automated

when computers were introduced into the business environment.

In fact, most data processing divisions originally reported

to the comptroller of a business organization.

Payroll is generally a well understood function. Payroll

data includes employee identification, attendance, wage

rates, deductions, earnings, and cumulative earning totals.

The functions performed by payroll packages include data

entry and payroll output processing. Output processing

usually includes the production of paychecks, a statement of

earnings, and consolidated payroll reports. The packages

might also include the production of periodic reports (such

as W-2 forms) and management reports. Other features found

in packages include employee services and benefit

administration, where accounting records are kept for vested

interest, allowable withdrawals, and penalties; EEO

compliance; IRS compliance, including voluntary deductions,

taxes, etc.; and special payroll processing such as

hazardous duty, overtime, and different rate jobs. Figure 3

illustrates typical functions performed by a payroll package.

I PAY

[CALCULATIONS

Data for current pay period

(hours worked, vacation, holiday,

time without pay, sick)

o Current

o Year-to-date

I

I

I TAX I {CALCULATIONS

j

o Current

o Year-to-date

o Minus taxes

o Withholdings

I + + +

I VOLUNTARY |

i DEDUCTION I ICALCULATIONS!

+ + +

o Current

o Year-to-date

+ + +

I NET PAY I ICALCULATIONS!

+ +

o Current

o Withholdings

o Net pay

o Paycheck

o Updated files

Figure 3 - Payroll Processing

- 13 -
Auerbach [AUER82] identifies 18 Payroll software packages.

These 18 packages have been installed in over 3}500

organizations and range in cost from $600 to $14,300.

2.4 Personnel

The popularity of personnel software packages, also referred

to as human resource management systems, has grown rapidly in

recent years. These packages assist a personnel department

and individual managers through the automation of employee

information and the reduction in time spent completing

various forms, filing forms, updating forms, etc. In

addition, these packages facilitate the performance of many

of the data collection and analysis tasks required by

changing Government rules and regulations.

Personnel procedures differ in each organization. Thus, the

flexibility of a personnel software package to meet the

policies, procedures and report requirements of a specific

organization should be a major concern in the selection of

such a package.

Personnel systems vary in the types of functions performed.

The most extensive can cover job applicant records and

retired-employee records, as well as employee records. Table

3 identifies the type of data that might be maintained by a personnel package in each of these categories.

Capabilities provided by a personnel package can include

requisition control, salary surveys, maintenance of

chronological work histories, performance appraisals,

management development, analysis of turnover, recruitment and

replacement policies, affirmative action, legal actions due

to discrimination, benefits and compensation, promotion,

training, staff planning, and bargaining and labor relations

demands

.

Auerbach [AUER82] identifies 13 personnel systems that,

collectively, have been installed in over 3,200

installations. They range in price from $2,000 to $148,000.

§LQ.£.Lw.i.Le N§.V£.§. [LEAV83] reported results of a D§.ti. Deci.slgn§.

survey which identified 270 users of 6 different Personnel

and Payroll packages.

- 14 -
Table 3

Human Resources Management Systems Data

[CAMP83] [AUER83]

JOB APPLICANT

SYSTEM

EMPLOYEE

SYSTEM

RETIREE

SYSTEM

Demographics

Recruiting sources

Employment history

Compensation desired

Mobility

Special credentials

Availability

Interview data

Physical exam results

Job offer

Hiring information

Disposition code

Demographics

Status

Education

Medical history

Military

experience

Skills

Prof ici encies

Vacation and

attendance

Job assignment

Compensation

Performance reviews

Safety training

Material s/suppl ies

Career history/resume

Benefits

Demographics

Continuing benefits

Pension plan

eligibility

,

participation,

and payment history

Payout options

Beneficiaries

Social Security data

- 15 -
2.5 Supply/logistics/inventory control

Supply/ logi sties/ inventory control software packages vary

considerably in capability, primarily because organizations

vary considerably in the size and complexity of inventory

keeping needs, and in the degree of automation they require

in their inventory process. Any combination of the following

functions can be found in these packages:

o Requisition (demands) processing

o Demand forecasting

o Automated subitem ordering

0 Substitution item order processing

o Reorder point calculation

o Economic order quantity calculation

o Item location

o Inventory status

Figure 4 illustrates these functions.

Auerbach [AUER82] identifies 17 inventory control packages

which range in price from $2,000 to $11,500 and account for

over 2,400 installations.

2.6 Library/reference

Library/reference software packages provide document control,

document location, inventory, order processing and subject

and author referencing functions.

Data Sources [DATA83] identifies 19 different packages,

ranging in price from $990 to $75,000, currently used in over

180 organizations.

- 16 -
Requests | Request |

I Processing!-

I Order Editing |

I Validation I

Inventories— | Inventory

|

I Status I

Stock

Replenishments

Orders

Filled.

Reorder I Processing |

I Order

I Processing |

I

I + + +

I Substitution

+ Item

I Processing

+ +

+ {-

I Demand |

I Forecasting |

I Reorder !

I Calculation I

I Multiple

I Location

I Processing

Stock

Release

I Order

I Stock

I Pickup

Acknowledgement

I Partial

I Order

I Processing

+ +

I Stock I I Replenishment I

Status

Information

Data

Base

File

Maintenance

Figure 4 - Inventory Control/Order Processing Functions

- 17 -
2.2.7 Office automation/word processing

Office automation, also referred to as integrated office,

electronic office, automated office, and word processing, has

rapidly expanded the role of software packages in the office

environment. The basic functions included within office

automation packages are shown in Table 4. These packages

often involve considerable commitment by an organization in

terms of funding, as well as in procedural and environmental

changes. Many office automation packages include both

hardware (computers) and software. All include some form of

workstation (terminal) for user interaction with the system.

Softwane News [MURP83] identifies 42 different office

automation software packages.

2.2.8 Ma themati cal/ sta ti stical

Mathematical/statistical packages have been used for some

time by engineers, statisticians, and mathematicians to

perform standard calculations. With the advent of

microcomputers and office automation, more packages of this

type are appearing. They provide calculator-type

capabilities for the terminal user. When linked with

graphics capabilities, they become very useful for projecting

data, performing analyses, and making quick mathematical

calcula ti ons

.

Auerbach [AUER82] identifies 20 different packages for

statistical applications.

2.3 Sources Of Software Packages

The last five years has seen greatly increased software

package availability. Consequently, there are many companies

that produce only software packages, and are committed to

providing training, service, and support. These vendors

initially tended to be small businesses that got their start

through one successful package. Company growth resulted in

more packages in response to customer demand.

However, as the market has expanded, so have the different

types of software package vendors. Table 5 describes various

sources or vendors of packaged applications software.

- 18 -
Table 4 - Office Automation Functions [MURP83]

Major Functions | Support Provided

Word Processing | list and merge documents

f ill-in-the-blank forms

spelling checkers

reading level analyzers

editors with search and replace

capabilities

graphics

multiple font capabilities

File Processing | build new files

sort, search and select records

Electronic Mail | message, memo, document, file

distribution

distribution to stored name list

attach files to messages for

distribution

integrate external messages into

send/receive distribution schemes

annotate, reply to, or forward

messages automatically

request confirmation/ acknowledgement

of receipt

prioritize message traffic

Voice Mail I voice store and forward message

or memo distribution

broadcast capability

Electronic Filing I document, file or mail storage

and retrieval

store, search, retrieve files

or documents against words,

phrases, subjects, authors,

dates or other descriptions.

Administrative Support | schedule/calendar maintenance

sign in/sign out

tickler files

notebooks

telephone/address directories

group meeting scheduling

Decision Support | numeric processing, four function

math, with spread sheet, business

bar/pie/line chart graphs

- 19 -
Table 5 - Sources of Software Packages

SOURCE DEFINITIONS

Turnkey System

Suppliers

Companies which provide an entire system

-hardware and software-necessary to

satisfy the particular requirements of a user

.

Hardware Manufacturers Manufacturers of computer equipment

(i.e., Apple, DEC, Honeywell, IBM, etc).

These manufacturers have historically

supplied the systems software needed

to operate the equipment (operating

systems, compilers, assemblers, etc)

and are beginning to offer more

applications software.

User's Groups Organizations of application programmers/users who exchange information/

programs on various software packages

developed by the members. Software is

often incompletely supported, documented, and tested.

Software Houses Companies that maintain large computer

programming staffs to develop both

customized application software and

software packages that can be sold as

off-the-shelf software.

Software Brokers Companies that serve as liaisons between

customers and software suppliers.

Computer Stores Characteristically, small companies

or franchises, that develop or retail . software systems primarily for computer

hobbyists and small to medium businesses.

- 20 -
4 Advantages Of Software Packages

TimeX^ a.Y.aiiab.lIitx. A software package has already been

developed and is usually available immediately. When

compared to development of a system, this availability can be

a significant advantage. Considerable lead time is required

to develop software; perhaps 24 months or more for a large

system. In addition, schedule slips are typical of custom

development. The benefits realized by having a package

operational during this period rather than utilizing a current system while awaiting completion of development can

often be the largest advantage of package acquisition.

MCLlie E.llg.dlQ.t.abIt. cost. Cost is a significant advantage of

software packages. Costs are visible and known, as the

vendor has an established and quoted price. Purchasing a software package usually consists of purchasing a license to

use the package on a limited rights basis. For example, the

purchase of a package may be limited to one computer for a specified price, with a reduced price scale available for

installation on additional computers. There are fewer hidden

or unexpected costs, so the problems associated with

estimating the costs of custom developments (which often

experience overruns) are eliminated.

LoW-g-L cost. The cost of a software package is: usually lower,

since the vendor spreads the cost of developing the package

over an expected sales volume. Custom development costs, on

the other hand, are borne entirely by the one organization.

In addition, the cost of developing package training material

and documentation is spread among package users while the

user of custom-developed software must bear the entire cost.

Maintenance of off-the-shelf software packages is usually

obtained through purchase of a contract to provide a specified level of service. Frequently, the cost of an

initial year's maintenance service will be included in the

purchase price. This lessens the workload of the in-house

maintenance staff, resulting in another cost saving.

Documentati on . A set of user documentation is provided by

the vendor with the package and can be previewed before

purchase. This documentation has evolved with use by other

customers and is often professionally done. Documentation of

custom developed software is notoriously poor, usually done

at the last moment, and often not oriented toward the user.

Good documentation is a significant advantage, as the

acceptance of a system by users is often greatly influenced

by how well the documentation aids them in its operation.

Reliability . Software packages tend to be more reliable than

custom developed software. They are usually well tested and

have been used by other organizations. Custom developed

- 21 -
systems must go through extensive testing before they may be

used reliably, and even they often contain latent errors

which may not be detected until after months or years of use.

Vendor support. Depending on the purchase contract, the

package delivery may consist of either a tape and

accompanying documentation or actual vendor installation.

The provisions of the purchase contract will directly

determine the level of support provided with delivery. If

delivery is by mail, the site staff must be capable of

"bringing the system up," and training staff personnel in its

proper usage. In cases where the vendor provides

installation support, the vendor provides a training staff

that delivers and installs the package and trains resident

personnel. Often, this results in excellent service at a nominal cost. Traditionally, there is a warranty period

after the vendor staff leaves the facility. During this

period, the vendor staff is on call to answer questions and

fix any bugs that might be encountered.

E^Llatlng. user bas§.. The fact that a software package has an

existing user base can be of immeasurable advantage. Current

users can be surveyed about the quality and suitability of

documentation, maintenance, training, and vendor reliability.

In addition, on-site demonstrations of a system may be

arranged, enabling potential users to judge whether the

system meets their needs in terms of special features and the

less quantifiable area of "user-friendliness."

As a direct result of the growth of software packages, there

is often a wide variety of hardware implementations for a package. Unless a hardware configuration is quite unusual,

it should not hinder implementation of an appropriate

package. Thus, the main criterion upon which the selection

of a package should be based is how well the functional

capabilities of the package meet user requirements.

.5 Disadvantages Of Software Packages

E.UJlQ.fc.loaa.1 L§.au.Lriement§.. Buying a software package is not

without pitfalls and hazards. Statement of user requirements

in a form that can result in selection of an optimal package

is a difficult, multi-step procedure. Only after the user

requirements have been stated and matched to achieve the best

fit to a package can success be insured. Insuring that a package meets the specific requirements of an organization is

critical to its successful implementation. In contrast, a developed system can be built to the specific requirements of

an organization.

- 22 -
FLg.2(.ttLlIltz. Environments, laws, policies and procedures

constantly change and a software package must be adaptable to

these changes. The flexibility which, if anticipated, can

readily be built into a custom developed system, must be

insured in a purchased product. This need can be handled two

ways. First, the vendor can be held responsible for making

necessary changes. Most vendors will do this for a fee, or

may issue updates based on known changes in federal or state

regulations and laws as part of their service. Second, the

purchasing organization may assume responsibility for making

changes. Usually, however, a software package is purchased

in a form that does not easily permit changes. This form is

called object code (as opposed to source code). If a user

insists on changes, the vendor may withdraw all support for

future package modification and void the maintenance

contract. In many cases, this situation is being resolved by

the marketplace. With a more competitive market and more

reputable vendors, there is a wider selection of packages,

packages are more adaptable and vendors are more willing to

work with a customer.

Ve.adgc. reliability. It is important when selecting a package

to insure that the vendor is well established and committed

to the product. This problem is not as relevant to in-house

custom developments since an in-house development staff is

readily available for support.

Caa^ecslgn . A problem that can occur with installation of a new software package is underestimation of the magnitude of

adjustment to the conversion or transition to a new package.

The euphoria that commonly sets in after the package is

selected and purchased contributes to the masking of the

sheer magnitude of the conversion and learning tasks.

Needless to say, this euphoria rapidly evaporates when the

purchased package fails to perform to expectations. Using

perspective in the selection and acquisition process usually

prevents underestimation of the amount of effort really

required to get the job done.

User a.cQ.e.ELt.a.ace.. A commonly encountered obstacle along the

path of successful installation is user acceptance and

adaptation to the new way of performing old tasks. Although

the package selected may appear to management as a best fit,

lower-level staff members may be required to significantly

alter specific task routines. Usually, when a software

package is purchased, the users are required to arrange

current operational procedures so they are compatible with

the software. The skill with which the package was selected

determines the level of effort required for installation of

the package. Most commercially available packages allow some

flexibility in functional definitions; however, the user

must expect and adapt to changes in current procedures that

- 23 -
may be required. Sometimes, because of the change of

routine, staff members will openly exhibit resentment and

hostility to the new procedures. One way to avoid resentment

is to provide a proper introduction of the capabilities of

the package by emphasizing the improved efficiency and

elimination of dull, tedious tasks.

Unfulfilled expectations of package performance and

inadequate vendor support are the most commonly encountered

problems. Usually, unfulfilled expectations are due to a lack of planning by the customer. Careful consideration of

vendor reliability and support prior to package purchase can

be a decisive factor in the success of package

implementation.

2.6 Deciding To Buy, Build Or Tailor

Before making the decision to buy a package rather than to

develop software in-house, all options must be clearly

defined. There is another option which should also be

explored: purchasing a package and making modifications

(tailoring) to insure that it sufficiently meets

requirements. These modifications can be done by the vendor,

or a third party, or may be performed by in-house staff. To

avoid losing support from the vendor, the modifications may

simply be the development of "front-end" and "back-end"

interface programs which allow data entry and reports to be

more conducive to internal procedures than those provided by

the standard package. The basic package then remains

unchanged and, therefore, continued vendor support should not

be a problem.

It is important to explore these various options. The goal

is to provide the best support available to the functional

user within the constraints of budget and resources. The

major trade-off is insuring that the package meets the user's

requirements. Tailoring a package to insure that

requirements are met often presents a cost-effective option.

The details of this decision process, the factors that must

be considered, and the pitfalls to avoid, will be delineated

in a subsequent NBS document.

- 24 -
7 Environmental Considerations

Certain ADP environments are simply more suitable for use of

software packages than others. The conditions which usually

indicate a climate conducive to successful package

installation center around the availability of equipment and

the attitude and needs of an organization's personnel.

Cooperation across the board is essential, from upper

management down to computer operations.

A classic candidate for probable success is the small- to

medium-sized organization. Package implementations at this

type of facility often have impressive results. The lower

maintenance and support costs typical of packaged software

are particularly valuable, because labor costs are usually a small organization's largest operating expense.

Although the following list is not exhaustive, it does

provide suggestions for consideration before making a final

decision.

o Is personnel productivity and work flow

efficiency a concern of the organization? Is the

organization's effectiveness hindered because of

bottlenecks and unresponsiveness due to manual

procedures or use of out-moded software systems?

o Is a computer system readily available? Is there

on-line, interactive access to that system? Are

upgrades expected in the near future?

o Is there a backlog of change requests to current

systems?

o Will an application software package be given the

required priority on that system to support its

processing needs?

o Are the organization's procedures amenable to

automated support?

o What will be the data entry requirements to place

all of the necessary data base on-line to support

operations (i.e., what will be the initial start

up cost and delay)? If computerized support is

currently available, what will it cost to convert

current files and data for the new package?

o How much training will be required to familiarize

users with the package?

- 25 -
o Will automation or use of a software package

affect interface or communications with other

operations within the organization?

The more affirmative answers given to the above questions,

the more likely it is that a software package can be used

effectively. The less effort and difficulty estimated for

transition and training, the greater the likelihood that

software package use will be cost-effective. Each

environment is different, yet the many, quickly realized

benefits of software packages make them an alternative that

should be explored.

- 26 -
0 LEARNING ABOUT SOFTWARE PACKAGES

The task of learning about software packages can seem

staggering at first. The following section is a guide to

reference material which will make this task much simpler.

It describes sources of information which are available;

which sources are the most useful; and how to make the best

use of them.

1 Overcoming The Terminology Hurdle

No matter which sources of information about software

packages are used, understanding computer terminology is one

of the first problems that those who are unfamiliar with

computers will encounter. The evolution of computer science

and its related fields has led to the proliferation of a special language with technical meanings that are often

unfamiliar to the lay person. Some of these terms are heard

quite often—for instance, almost everyone has been told at

some time that he/she can't do something because "the

computer is DOWN." Fortunately, many of these terms are

becoming so common they are listed in recent dictionaries

(for instance, the term "down time" is listed in W.eb§.tg.iils

NfeVi CQ.Lle.g.lat.e. Dlctlgnany.) . In addition, there are a number

of sources dealing specifically with the technical language

of computing which may be useful. Three of those sources

are

:

o Computer Dictiona ry and Haadbgigk, Charles J. Sippl, ed.

[Howard W. Sams and Company, Inc.: 4300 West 62nd

Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268]

0 Encyclopedia ofl CoiiiE.ut§.L Sclg.nc§., Anthony Ralston, ed.

[Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, Inc.: 135 West 50th

Street, New York, NY 10020]

o DLQ-Llcnaiiy. Lqxl IntQ.Hlli.tlan P|loce.sslnfc [FIPS PUB 11-1,

National Bureau of Standards]

The most important thing to remember when attempting to

overcome the terminology hurdle is that the software to be

purchased is intended to provide a service to its users. It

should make life easier, not more complicated. The special

terminology associated with computer technology need not have

much impact upon the users of that technology. It is only in

making sense of the available information on software

packages and in dealing with vendors that understanding the

special terminology is necessary.

- 27 -
3.2 Information Sources

A major problem encountered when attempting to select a software package is finding the information upon which to

base a decision. At first, information is difficult to find,

and then, when it is found, it may seem staggeringly

complex'—especially for a computer novice or a non-technical

computer user.

There are numerous sources of information on applications

software packages. The following sections discuss several of

these sources and describe how to best use them. Figure 5

suggests a scenario for effective use of the different types

of literature, showing at which point in the evaluation

process each can be used effectively. Many of the sources

which are discussed here may be found in local public and

university libraries or Federal agency libraries and

reference rooms.

Functional Review

Application Area

Expertise

Busmese

Indexes

Organizations Advertlsen<ents

Business

Application Journals

Teclinical Review

Directories, Reference

Services

Computer

Science

Expertise

Trade

Journals,

Periodicals

User

Groups. User Surveys

Vendor

Presentations.

Interview

Vendor

Literature

Benchmarks.

Trial Product Review

Figure 5 - Sequence of Information Review

- 28 -
3.2.1 Periodicals

Periodicals are one of the most widely available sources of

information on software packages; the problems which

confront those who are attempting to computerize specific

functions; and techniques to follow when computerizing.

Computer journals are not the only periodicals which print

useful articles. While computer trade magazines typically

have more in-depth analyses of the technical aspects of

software packages (e.g., process requirements and storage

requirements), application area trade magazines typically are

more oriented toward the procedures a package supports. Both

sources are valuable in early evaluation of various packages.

When evaluating software for a specific business application

area, an evaluation team that is not particularly conversant

with computers might find trade journals which concentrate on

the specific application area useful. For instance, to

automate an accounting system, accounting magazines are

probably, initially at least, the best source of information.

Valuable information, such as how current users rate

packages, is often available in computer periodicals. A good

example of this is the magazine Datamation, which provides a yearly users' survey of software packages. In addition, some

periodicals publish articles which give tips on where to buy

software. Some of them also reference additional sources of

software package information.

While trade journals are good sources of information on

computerizing specific functions, they are unlikely to have

articles on computing in each edition. Therefore, it is best

to make use of periodical indexes. Two indexes which are

especially useful are:

o Business Index [Information Access Corporation:

404 6th Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025]

Business Index is provided on microfilm. Listings

are filed alphabetically by subject headings and by

magazine titles. Bu§.Lng.s§. Inlex includes listings

from 640 periodicals (approximately 90,000 articles

per year).

o Business Periodicals Index [H. W. Wilson Company:

950 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452]

B usin ess Petiiodi.cal.s Index is in book form. It

lists magazines by subject headings followed by

subheadings. In this index, which is less

extensive than Business Index, but more readily

available, articles on automation are usually under

the heading Data Processing.

- 29 -
2.2 Directories

There are several directories available which catalog

software, often according to the hardware on which it is

available. Because of the explosion in sales of personal

computers, most such directories are for microcomputer

applications. Examples of these directories follow:

o The AE.E.le Software Directo ry [WIDL Video:

5245 W. Diversey Ave. , Chicago, XL 60639]

Software for Apple Computers.

o Commodore Software E ncy clopedia [Commodore

Business Machines, Computer Systems Division:

300 Valley Forge Sp. , 681 Moore Rd. , King of

Prussia, PA 19046] Software for Commodore

Computers

.

o Dataguide [Sentry Database Publishing: 5

Kane Industrial Dr., Hudson, MA 01749]

Hardware, software and accessories.

o Directory of MLcrocgmp.utg.r Software [DATAPRO:

1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 08075]

Software, updated monthly, comes with

telephone inquiry service.

o International Microcomputer Software

Di rectory [Imprint: 420 South Howes, Fort

Collins, CO 80521] Software, vendor lists.

o Software Di rectory [Digital Research:

P.O. Box 579, Pacific Grove, CA 93950]

Applications and system software.

o Software Vendor Di rectory [Micro- Serve:

P.O. Box 482, Nyack, NY 10960] Applications

and system software, vendors. Also available

on computer diskette.

o TRS-80 AppI ications SoXtware Sourcebook

[Available at Radio Shack stores]

Applications software for TRS-80 computers.

- 30 -
3.2.3 Reference services

Services have been developed which aid in the process of

sorting through the vast quantity of computer information

which is available. Some of these services are computerized,

while others are not. In general, they can be very useful.

Datapro is one such reference service that is well

established and maintains a good reputation in the data

processing community, Di.ta£.c.g R ep orts [Datapro Research

Corporation: 1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 08075] is

published in a three-ring binder format and is updated

monthly. The Datapro subscription fee not only includes the

basic volumes of the service, but also includes updates and

an inquiry service. Datapro covers a variety of subject

areas related to computing. Two volumes of particular

interest to software package research are the following:

o D atap ro Appl ications Software (part of the

solutions series)--especially designed for those

"with line or staff responsibilities in planning,

designing, programming or maintaining applications

software solutions to business problems." Includes

"Software Development Concepts," "How to Buy

Software Packages," "Make or Buy Tradeoffs,"

"Selection and Acquisition," "Reliability and

Vendor Support" and "User Ratings." Software

packages are identified by applications area and

detailed descriptions of each package are provided.

Vendor lists are also provided.

0 Datapro Reports on Mini computers- -provides

"detailed coverage of all types of minicomputers."

Includes "Software" (user's ratings) and

"Computers" ("individual, detailed analyses of

minicomputer and small business computer systems

from all important suppliers"). These analyses

include users' reactions and software information.

Another well established reference service similar to Datapro

is Auerbach. Aug.iibac|i Igc.lingl.ogy. RegLOLts [Auerbach

Publishers, Inc.: 6560 North Park Drive, Pennsauken, NJ

08109]. The Auerbach volume on applications software

includes discussions of special problems involved in

computerizing specific applications areas and lists available

packages in each application area. Listings include the

package price, hardware requirements, capabilities, the

number of installations, date of first installation, and the

address of the package developer. Some of the many

application areas which are covered include:

- 31 -
o Human resource management

o Accounts receivable

o Accounts payable

o General ledger

o Inventory control

o Integrated accounting

o General business management

o Manufacturing

o Banking

o Transportation

o Medical

o Insurance

o Utilities

o Scientific/engineering

A third reference service is Data Sources. Da.ta Sources

[Ziff-Davis Publishing Co.: P.O. Box 5845, Cherry Hill, NJ

08034] is published quarterly. As with Auerbach, software

packages are identified by application area and hardware

compatibility. Application areas include those mentioned

above and others, such as those listed below.

o Project management

o Legal

o Bill of materials

o Civil engineering

o Health

o Economic modeling

0 Financial analysis

o Government (Federal)

o Government (local and state)

o Library services

o Office automation

0 Professional time accounting

o Research and survey analysis

One company which provides a customized search utilizing a computerized listing of software packages is SofSearch.

SofSearch's data base includes some 30,000 software packages

offered by 8,500 vendors. Provided with a description of the

application, the target computer and operating system and the

industry, SofSearch will perform a search and provide one

page reports on each package which meets these briefly

described requirements.

Table 6, the Reference Services Matrix, shows the types of

information that is readily available from each of the

reference services.

- 32 -
Table 6 - Reference services nairix

HARDWARE REQUIREnENTSSOFTUARE REQUIREnENTS

APPLICATION AREA) PRICES) COIPANY DIFFERENTIATION | j ADDRESSESCOHPANy 1 USER

PROFILES! RATINGS

USEFUL WTICLES

INDEXING 1 ARRMGEnENT j

i AUERBACH X X X i X 1 X X 1 X APPLICATION W?EA|

then 1 PACKAGE VENDOR |

1 DATAPRO

1 APPLICATIONS

1 SQFTUARE X 1

1 X X i X X

APPLICATION MEA|

then 1

1 PACKAGE VENDOR |

IDATA SOURCES X X 1 X 1 X i X X 1

APPLICATION AREAl

1 then 1 VENDOR 1

1 or 1

1 HARDWARE j

1 SQFSEARCH 1 X X 1 X 11 1 HARDWARE |

I then I

I APPLICATION area!

33
other sources of reference material are:

o DlLg-Ctocx Q.L Sys.te.rns Hou§.g.s and Computer

DlstLLbutgLS [Sentry Database Publishing: 5 Kane

Industrial Drive, Hudson, MA 01749]

o Computer Software Industry : A Fi nanci al and

Stjiateg.ic Analxsis [Dun & Bradstreet Credit

Services: New York, NY]

0 Software News [Sentry Database Publishing: 5 Kane

Industrial Drive, Hudson, MA 01749]

0 Computerworld Software Buyer ' s Guide

[C. W. Communications, Inc.: Box 880, 375

Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA 01701]

o MlciigcomE.uteii Sottware Lg.LteL [610 Fifth Avenue,

Suite 706, New York, NY 10020]

3.2.4 Trade newspapers

Newspaper articles provide a good, easily readable source of

general information. Several trade newspapers which are

published weekly or monthly are available. Computerworld,

Software News and In£.oc.mati.on Sys tems News are examples.

These trade newspapers have articles which announce the

latest packages, and they feature advertisements and articles

by users on the successes and failures of off-the-shelf

software packages. Information in trade newspapers tends to

be the most current available.

3.2.5 Vendor literature

Software vendor literature should be one of the last sources

to use in attempting to learn about software packages. This

literature is not usually as objective as the other sources

identified in this section. However, it is likely to provide

more specific information than any other source. . Therefore,

once software packages have been identified which appear to

be suitable in function and quality, vendor literature should

be obtained to learn even more about those packages and their

features

.

- 34 -
3.2.6 Organizations

Professional and specialized organizations often have

extensive support services for members or for others

interested in their area of specialization. Many

organizations either have branches dedicated to computers or

are themselves dedicated to computers and computing (the

Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)

Computer Society is one notable example). Other types of

organizations include users' groups, which are affiliated

with specific hardware vendors and provide information on the

latest applications software for their systems.

Appropriate organizations can be found in organization

indexes; through the Chamber of Commerce, a source of

information about local organizations; and from software and

hardware vendors, who are usually familiar with local users'

groups.

One useful organization index is The Encyclopedia of

Associations [Gale Research Company: Book Tower, Detroit, MI

48226]. It is an international compilation of organizations,

indexed according to area of interest.

3.2.7 Gathering information from the sources

Because of the growth in the number of available software

packages, an immense amount of information needs to be

assimilated before any final decision in the selection of a package can be made. This document provides only a sample of

available references. It should be used to direct the

literature search but not constrain it. The following

approach is recommended:

1 . Obtain as many objective viewpoints as possible. This

can be done by consulting the rated reference sources.

2. Use the reference services to identify all packages in a specific application area. Use application area trade

journals to find out the procedures supported. Use the

computer trade journals to find technical data.

3. After preparing a list of possible candidates, personally

contact current users of the package. The vendor of a package should be able to provide the names of

organizations which currently use it. Feel free to ask

questions such as, "How is the support?," "What are the

limitations?," "How long did installation take?" Arrange

to see user demonstrations of the most promising

packages.

- 35 -
4. The results of the current users' survey will probably

reduce the number of candidate packages. Do not ignore

negative user reviews. Using the reduced list, phone

vendors and arrange to either visit the company or to

have a salesman visit. At this stage, remember that the

objectivity of information decreases. Keep all of the

objective information which has been gathered from other

sources in mind.

In summary, buying a software package is like making any

other major investment: it pays to find objective sources of

information and to shop around.

3 Reference Matrix And Descriptions

Table 7, the Reference Matrix, contains information about

many of the sources cited by The Business Index or The

Busi ness Peri.odlcal.s Index, the reference services or the

other sources discussed above. The matrix identifies these

reference sources and categorizes the types of information

provided by each source. It is intended to serve as an aid

in identifying potential sources of information and in

selecting the most useful sources for the particular

application.

Recently, there has been a tremendous growth in the number of

computer-related publications of all types, particularly

those aimed at inexperienced users. Many of these

publications address specific machines or application areas.

Thus, this list can only be a representative sampling of the

available sources. These are not necessarily the best

sources for a given application, but most of them are readily

available in public libraries and in Government agency

libraries or reference rooms.

Detailed descriptions of the periodicals identified in the

matrix (including publisher) are provided in the periodicals

descriptions section, which follows the matrix.

3.1 How to use the Reference Matrix

The Reference Matrix lists potential sources of information

about applications software packages, indicates the types of

information each source provides, and the frequency and depth

of that information. These sources are rated on reference

content, audience level, depth of analysis, proportion of

articles directly related to computers and computing, and

- 36 -
whether or not the reference provides an advertisers' index

(a useful tool when seeking vendor literature).

The references listed in this matrix are grouped into the

following categories:

0 Periodicals

o Reference services

o Trade newspapers

o Vendor literature in general

o Users' groups in general

The arrangement of the Reference Matrix has been designed to

facilitate the retrieval of either general or topic-specific

information. For example, an accountant who is relatively

unfamiliar with computer terminology but wishes to explore

the benefits a software package might provide, would use the

periodicals which are specifically accounting oriented (as

shown in the Target Audience field). ADP specialists,

however, are likely to make less use of business applications

journals and the general articles found in newspapers and

rely more heavily upon technically explicit sources of

information, such as the reference services, users' groups

and technical journals.

The various rating categories, in conjunction with the

detailed periodical descriptions which follow this section,

can be used to indicate the functional or technical

periodicals which are most likely to contain articles

appropriate to an application. In addition, reference

services reports can be used to obtain brief descriptions of

packages by trade name. Auerbach, for example, provides good

overall descriptions of the applications functions in

addition to providing details on the age of products and the

availability of maintenance contracts. Both ADP specialists

and applications area experts are likely to use the

periodicals and reference services in conjunction with one

another, as the type of information provided by one source

builds upon information provided by the other.

- 37 -
REFERENCE MATRIX LEGEND

1. PERIODICAL FREQUENCY: published weekly (W), every 10

days (10), monthly (M), bimonthly (B), or quarterly (Q).

2. TARGET AUDIENCE: management, applications area

specialists, ADP specialists, general business, other.

This field should be used as an indication of the type of

information generally provided in the articles.

Periodicals intended for management are more likely to

carry articles on make-or-buy trade-offs, how to

automate, how to introduce a package into an office

environment, how system usage can result in job-cost

savings and how to manage the requirements effort.

Periodicals intended for applications area specialists

have articles which concentrate on the problems of

automating a specific application and possible solutions

to those problems. Advertisements found in these

periodicals detail the specific functions of packages;

for example, accounting periodicals often have

advertisements which explain the simplicity of general

ledger accounting when using the advertised package.

Periodicals intended for ADP specialists are more likely

to tell what hardware and operating systems a specific

software package requires, to contain details on the

structure of programs and to compare packages in these

terms. Articles are often more concerned with technical

rather than business issues.

Periodicals intended for general business audiences

usually contain articles that describe general processes,

business trends, decision criteria or considerations of

business personnel. Usually, such articles will not be

application-area specific.

Periodicals rated other do not fit into any of the above

categories.

3. COMPUTER RELATED ARTICLES: Approximate ratio of

computer-related articles to total number per issue or

ALL. SPECIAL indicates that, though the general ratio is

that stated, occasionally the periodical has a special

issue on computing.

- 38 -
4. ANALYSIS DEPTH: high(H), mediumCM), low(L).

Depth is based upon technical reliability and whether

discussions include examples and other specifics. If

software packages are being rated or analyzed, depth is

also based upon whether the functions performed, the

hardware required and the flexibility of software

packages are discussed. If a periodical is rated high,

its articles are objective and often contain technical

information. If a periodical is rated low in this field,

its articles are likely to be short and very general. If

rated medium, its articles are of average depth and

technical detail.

5. PRODUCT COMPARISON FREQUENCY: high(H), medium(M),

low(L).

If a periodical is rated high, it means that it compares

packages more often than most of the other periodicals in

the matrix.

6. COST DATA FREQUENCY: high(H), medium(M), low(L).

If a periodical is rated high, it means that it lists

cost information more often than most of the other

periodicals in the matrix.

7. CUSTOMER RATINGS FREQUENCY: high(H), mediumCM), low(L).

If a periodical is rated high, it means that it provides

user information, such as user surveys or case studies,

more often than most of the other periodicals in the

matri X

.

8. SOFTWARE ADS FREQUENCY: high(H), mediumCM), or lowCL),

followed by an "A" if the software advertised is often

for specific applications area packages.

9. ADVERTISERS' INDEX: yes CY), no CN).

Some periodicals carry an advertisers' index which lists

advertisers in the current issue and usually tells how to

contact them for further information.

10. NOT APPLICABLE: This field is reserved for those

periodicals which seem as if they would provide good

information, but which, for some reason, are not

appropriate for the planned scope of this study. If a periodical is not applicable, no other field will be

filled in.

- 39 -
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42
3.3.2 Periodical descriptions

The following section provides detailed descriptions of the

periodicals

Accoyintgncy [The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England

and Wales: 56/66 Goswell Road, London, England EL1B 7LD - American distributors: Expediters of the Printed Word LTD.:

527 Madison Avenue, Suite 1217, New York, NY 10022]

A British publication which often includes articles on the

computerization of accounting practices. Articles are of

high depth. One to two articles per issue are related to

computerization. Published monthly.

A^lal§:tLi.tlV.e Mi.na.g.§nLent. [Gey er-McAlli ster Publications, Inc.:

51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010]

This periodical contains an average of two computer articles

and one article on new technologies per issue. Sample titles

include: "A Buyer's Guide to Word Processing Software," by

Alan Hoffberg, Contributing Editor; "What You Get With a '90-Day Trial'," by Patrick Flanagan; "Superminis: In the

Mainstream of Business DP," by Randi T. Sachs, Associate

Editor; "Software for Sorts, Retrieval and Other Filing

Tasks," by Bonnie Canning and Karen Michaels. Published

monthly

.

Bamionls [Dow Jones and Co.: 200 Burnett Road, Chicopee, MA

01021 ] This periodical is published in a newspaper format and

contains a few articles of moderate depth on computers and

advertisements for computers. Published weekly.

Bii§.i.n£ss y.g.ek [McGraw-Hill, Inc.: P.O. Box 506, Hightstown, NJ

08520]

This magazine contains an average of one computer article per

issue. All articles are business-related. Most articles are

on how to more effectively use a current system, rather than

on initial selection of a system. Published weekly.

- 43 -
By.Le. [Byte Publications Inc.: 70 Main St., Peterborough, NH

03458]

This monthly magazine is subtitled "The Small Systems

Journal." Most articles are on computers (approximately 9S%)

with about half of the articles on hardware and half on

software. About 60% of the advertisements are for hardware,

^0% for software. Example articles are on how to select a text editor, and "Adapting Microcomputers to Wall Street."

Issues are very long, averaging about 550 pages. Published

monthly.

CJilILanls. lean Ag.e. [Chilton Company: Wayne, PA I9089]

CtilLtanis. LcQR Age is subtitled "The Magazine for

Metalworking Management." It contains some articles on

computing and a few advertisements for computers. Articles

are of low to medium depth. Ciii.l.tgnls Icon Age includes an

advertisers' index. Free to qualified managers in US

metal-working companies. Published every 10 days.

CQjiE.E.U.t§.ji Bu.slng.ss ri.g.V!L§. [C. W. Communications Inc.: P.O. Box

880, 375 Cochituate Rd., Framingham, MA 01701]

This newspaper-format magazine is subtitled "The Newsweekly

for the OEM Community." All articles are in some way related

to computers. The focus is on marketing computers and

computer industry investment information. A majority of

articles and advertisements relate to hardware. Articles are

of medium to low depth. A software applications directory is

included annually. Published bi-monthly.

CQjm]2.ut§.L Decisi ons [Hayden Publishing Co.: 50 Essex St.,

Rochelle Park, NJ 07662]

This magazine is subtitled "The Management Magazine of

Computing." The magazine includes departments which appear in

each issue such as "Snyder on Software" (including pros and

cons of reviewed software), "Software" (write-ups by vendors)

and an "Advertisers' Index." Example articles include:

"Choosing the Right Turnkey Mini Supplier," by David

Whieldon; "Office Automation Rolls Along," interview of

Professor Howard Morgan; "How to Pick 'Friendly' Terminals,"

by David Whieldon; and "Don't Make —Buy! Support From

Timesharing Services," by David Whieldon. There are many

advertisements, both for hardware and business-applications

software. Free subscriptions for executives of companies

that deal with or use computers. Published monthly.

- 44 -
CgaiE.ut£ii De§.lg.n [Computer Design Publishing Co.: 119 Russell

St., Littleton, MA 01460]

Though a few useful articles are presented in this magazine

on recent software developments, the orientation is toward

hardware architecture issues and not business applications.

Free subscriptions for engineers and those who manage

engineers. Published monthly.

Q.QJ[ILC.uLe.llW.fiLLcL [C. W. Communications Inc.: P.O. Box 880, 375

Cochituate Rd., Framingham, MA 01701]

This periodical, organized in a large newspaper format, is

usually about 100 pages long. Many articles provide

discussions of financial trends in the computer industry,

while some discuss business applications. CQ.mE.ufc.e.llwQ.lll.d

includes many advertisements, including coupons for

requesting specific information from vendors. It typically

contains a software advertising section, often features

special sections on software, and usually lists new product

announcements. Published weekly.

Da.LSL Mani.g.£j!ng.at [Data Processing Management Association: 505

Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068]

This magazine is business- and computer-oriented with a concentration on data management and processing. Most

computer articles and advertisements are on software.

Published monthly.

Datamation [Technical Publishing Company: 875 Third Avenue, New

York, NY 10022]

This magazine has a business orientation and provides

extensive information on all aspects of computing. User

surveys of software are often included —for instance, the May

1982 issue included the "Applications Software Survey." Each

edition includes an Advertisers' Index, which is an easy way

to get a quick overview of what is available. Free

subscriptions for qualified personnel. Published monthly.

- 45 -
D.e.Q.l£lQ.a Sclt.nce.s [American Institute for Decision Sciences:

University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 303033

De.cl§.Lga §Lclg.nc§.s is designed for managers. On the average,

one article per issue is concerned with computers. Articles

contain in-depth analysis. Very few advertisements are

included. Articles stress the use of behavioral, economic

and quantitative methods of analysis for decision-making in

public and private organizations. Published monthly.

E.Le.cLLQ.al£. E.U.§.ln£S§. [Cahners Publishing Co. Inc.: 270 Saint

Paul Street, Denver, CO 80206]

ELle-CLnfialc E.UL§.LD.e.§.S. has an electronic equipment orientation

with an emphasis on test equipment. It occasionally provides

application area articles.

HaCV-i-Ld. E.U.§.i.ne.s§. E.g.y.Le\i [Subscription Service Department:

• P.O. Box 3010, Woburn, MA 01888]

This journal is published by Harvard Graduate School of

Business Administration as part of a program in executive

education. It is designed for a management audience.

Approximately one article in each issue relates to computers.

The depth of articles is medium to high, and the number of

advertisements of any sort is low. Published bi-monthly.

IE.E.E. MLtllo [IEEE Inc., Computer Society: 445 Hoes Lane,

Piscataway, NJ 08854]

All articles in this magazine are on computers. Few,

however, address business applications. The technical level

is high, as is the depth of articles. Published quarterly.

La£lQ.sy.s.tg.QLS. [Hitchcock Publishing Companies, Inc.: Hitchcock

Building, P.O. Box 3007, Weaton, IL 60187]

This periodical is subtitled "The Magazine for Information

Systems Managers." It includes many advertisements, both for

software and hardware, and some comparison articles. Example

articles include: "Programming Tools: Impacting DP

Productivity," by Carol Tomme Thiel; "Keys to Successful

Office Automation: Company Strategies and User Needs," by

Alan G. Rockhold, Senior Editor; "Bottom Line Report:

Remote Computing Services: You've Got to Watch the Meter,"

by Wayne L. Rhodes, Jr., Senior Editor; and "Summer

Bonanza: What's New in Software Packages," by Carol Tomme

Thiel, Software Editor. Published monthly.

- 46 -
Interface : DatgL Pnoc In g. M§.Qa£.§.illt.at [International Computer

Programs, Inc.: 9000 Keystone Crossing, P.O. Box 40946,

Indianapolis, IN 46240]

All articles are on computers and many are business related.

Approximately 70% of the advertisements are for software,

while the other 30% are for hardware and business services.

A sample article is "In House Timesharing," by Ken Ross.

Free subscriptions for qualified USA residents employed by

one of the industries addressed by the publication.

Published quarterly.

Interface Age. [McPheters, Wolfe and Jones: 1 6704 Marquardt

Ave., Cerritos, CA 90701 ] This periodical is subtitled "Computing for Business." There

are numerous advertisements, though more of them are for

hardware than for software. All articles have something to

do with computers, with about ^0% pertaining to business

applications. Many reviews of new hardware systems and

software packages are provided. Some package comparisons,

and useful articles on where to purchase software and how to

negotiate for software packages are also provided. Published

monthly.

I nte rfaces [The Institute of Management Sciences: 345 Whitney

Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511]

This magazine is designed for managers and ADP specialists.

Articles are of medium to high depth. Software

advertisements and product comparisons are few. Published

bi-monthly

.

Journal of. AQcpymtgncy [American Institute of Certified Public

Accountants, Inc.: 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

10036]

This magazine does not include articles on computing.

However, it does include many advertisements for packages

related to accounting. Published monthly.

- 47 -
Journal of Smai.1 Business Management [International Council for

Small Business: West Virginia University, Bureau of Business

Research, Morgantown, WV 26506]

This publication has an academic orientation and each edition

has a particular theme. Only about one in five issues

includes an article on computerization, although one entire

issue was devoted to computerization with at least 60% of

that issue's articles being on computers. No advertisements

for either hardware or software are included. Articles are

of medium depth. Published quarterly.

Journal ofl Sys tems Management [Association for Systems

Management: 2458? Bagley Road, Cleveland, OH 44138]

This journal is designed for managers. All articles are on

computers. Articles are of medium depth and include such

titles as "The V-Curve: A Road Map For Avoiding People

Problems in Systems Changes" and "The Main-Frame Computer: A

Glimpse Into the Future." Published monthly.

Management Accounting [National Association of Accountants: 919

Third Ave., New York, NY 10022]

Computer advertisements are mostly for software (primarily

accounting and financial packages). Only about one in five

issues contains articles on computers, but one edition was a computer special and approximately 50% of its articles were

on computing. The depth of these articles is from medium to

high. Published monthly.

Management Revi.ew [American Management Associations: ARACOM

Division, P.O. Box 319, Saranac Lake, NY 12983]

One in twelve issues includes an article on computing, and

these articles are not directed toward the issues or audience

addressed in this document. Articles are often very general.

Published monthly.

Management Science [Institute of Management Sciences: 146

Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903]

This periodical is highly quantitative and academic. There

are few advertisements. It is not recommended as a source

for software package information. Published monthly.

- 48 -
MaJli-g.ecient T oday [Management Publishing LTD.: 76 Dean Street,

London, W1A 1BU]

Management Today is a British magazine. One in five issues

includes an article on computers. Articles are of medium to

high depth. Published monthly.

^ilLchandising. [Gralla Publications: 1515 Broadway, New York, NY

10036]

This magazine has a large, glossy-newspaper format. While

every issue has at least one article on computers, the

orientation is not toward software packages, but on computer

industry marketing information. Advertisements are also

marketing-oriented. Published monthly.

Mic.L2.9-9.1l£!iti.!lSL [P.O. Box 9 97, Farmingdale, NY 1 1737]

All the articles in this magazine relate to microcomputers.

Some articles address business concerns. An example article

is "Meet the Monthly Billing Deadline," by Sam Davis.

Monthly sections include descriptions of new products and

software ratings. Most advertisements focus on hardware;

however, scane relate to software. Published monthly.

Mini-Micro Systems [Cahners Publishing Company, Inc.: 270 Saint

Paul Street, Denver, CO 80206]

All articles in this magazine deal with computers. Articles

are technically detailed and are rarely geared to business

concerns. Articles do include comparisons, but the major

emphasis is on hardware rather than software. This magazine

provides articles directly related to a Government audience.

Free subscriptions for qualified individuals. Published

monthly

.

Modern Office PL£Q.e.du.Lg.s [Penton-IPC: Pent on Plaza, 111 Chester

Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114]

Approximately three articles per issue are on word

processing. Occasionally, there are other articles on some

type of computing. The articles concentrate on procedures

rather than on types of software. The advertisements in this

magazine are more often for hardware than for software.

Published monthly.

- 49 -
The Offi.cg. [Office Publications, Inc.: 1 200 Summer St.,

Stamford, CT 06904]

This periodical is subtitled "Magazine of Management,

Equipment, Automation." It contains many articles on office

automation, word processing, etc. Articles are of medium

depth. More articles are on procedures than on software, but

some articles do include comparisons. Advertisements for

software products are included. The Office has a business

orientation. Published monthly.

O utpu t [Technical Publishing: 1301 S. Grove Ave., Harrington,

IL 60010]

This magazine is subtitled "The Information Systems Magazine

for the General Management User." All of its articles are

related in some way to computers and to business.

Advertisements are for both software and hardware; however,

the overall number of advertisements in these areas is low.

Articles do include comparisons, such as in the article

"Choosing a Vendor For the Automated Office," by Margaret

Coffey. Published monthly.

Personal Cgmp.uting, [Hayden Publishing Company, Inc.: 50 Essex

St. , Rochelle Park, NJ 07662]

Personal Computing describes the uses of personal computers.

Most articles are on how to use computers more effectively in

the home. Some articles address the use of personal

computers for business concerns as "When the Boss Got Into

Computing," by Marvin Grosswirth. Articles are of medium

depth. Approximately 20% of the advertisements are for

software products. Published monthly.

Personnel Administrator [American Society for Personnel

Administration: 30 Park Dr. , Berea, OH 4401?]

Few articles are on computers. All articles are on

personnel. Advertisements are for Personnel System software

packages. Published monthly.

Personnel journal [A. C. Croft, Inc.: P.O. Box 2440, Costa

Mesa, CA 9 26 26]

One in three issues has an article on computerization. One

such article is "A Guide For Building a Human Resource Data

System," by Vincent R. Ceriello. Published monthly.

- 50 -
Personnel Management [Business Publications LTD. : Audit House,

Field End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 9LT]

This magazine is a British publication. It includes

advertisements for Personnel System Software packages. Most

advertisements represent British products. Articles are of

medium depth. Published monthly.

L!iL^^§.§.i.[l£. [Cahners Publishing Company Inc.: 270 Saint Paul

Street, Denver, CO 80206]

This periodical is business oriented. It does not include

computer advertisements. Every issue has something on

computers, but often the depth is low. An example article is

"Computers in Purchasing: Part 30," by Robert Porter and

Gilbert Trill. Published bi-monthly.

Software News [Sentry Database Publishing: 5 Kane Industrial

Drive, Hudson, MA 017^91

All the articles in this periodical are concerned with

computers; some also discuss business concerns. This

periodical is designed like a newspaper. Articles are

datelined, and are of medium depth. Sample articles include

"Software and the Automated Office," by John A. Murphy and

"Productivity Tools Mean Better Code," by Dave Ferris.

Published monthly.

Tpday ' s OOli-Ce [United Technical Publications, Inc.: 645

Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530]

Most articles are on computers in business applications and

comparisons are often included in these articles.

Advertisements generally relate to office products while some

(about H0%) are for computer software. Free to

administrative executives and qualified Government offices.

Published monthly.

- 51 -
REFERENCES

AUER82 Au.etlbs.cli ComE.Ut§.L lectLnalogy. Rg.E.Q.Ltsi.

Appl icati ons Softw are, Auer bach Publishers Inc.,

1 982.

CAMP83 Campbell, C, "HRMS Features, Functions

Fairly Easy to Identify," Software News, March

1 983 . DATA83 Dg.t§. Sources, Ziff-Davis Publishing Company,

Spring 1983.

H0UG82 Houghton, R.C., Sottwate Dg.jLelgEmg.nt

lOoIs^jNBS Special Publication 500-88, March

1982.

LEAV83 Leavitt, D. , "Multiple Influences Interact

in Selection of HRMS: Survey," Soltwarg. News,

March 1 983

.

MURP83 Murphy, J., "Despite Conflicting Claims,

Integration is the Key to Effective OA,"

SgCtwang. News, February 1 983 . WELK80 Welke, L., "The Origins of Software,"

Da tarnation , December 1 980 .

- 52 -

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1984 420-997/104
NBS-n4A (REV. 2-8C) U*S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET fSee instructions)

1 PtIRI IPATinW OR

REPORT NO,

NBS SP 500-114

2* Performing Orjsn. Report No. <J« rUDIIv-clllUri LJ a IC April iyo4

4, TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Conputer Science and Technology: Intxoduction to Software Packages

5. AUTHOR(S)

Sheila Frankel, editor

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS. see instructions)

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

7. Contract/Grant No. NB825BCA1634

8. Type of Report & Period Covered

Final

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street, City, State, ZIP)

Same as item 6.

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Liibrary of Congress Catalog Card Number: 84-601045

I I Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FlPS Software Summary, is attached.

11. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most si gnificant information. If document includes a si gnificant

bi bliography or literature survey, mention it here)

This document provides an introduction to

applications software packages. It encourages

the use of software packages as an alternative

to in-house development and directs potential

users of software packages to sources of useful

information. Application areas which are

currently supported by software packages are

reviewed and the benefits of software package

use versus in-house development are discussed.

This document includes an annotated list of

publications which may be useful to potential

users of software packages in searching for a package to perform a specific application, and

in critically evaluating the merits of different

packages

.

12. KEY WORDS (S/x to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolons)

applications software packages; off-the-shelf software; packages;

software applications; software packages

13. AVAILABILITY

pxl Unlimited

I I For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

fxl Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

57

15. Price

USCOMM-DC 6043-P80

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW PUBLICATIONS ON

COMPUTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Superintendent of Documents,

Government Printing Office,

Washington, DC 20402

Dear Sir:

Please add my name to the announcement list of new publications to be issued in the

series: National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 500-.

Name

Company

Address

City State Zip Code

(Nolincation key N-S03)

NBS TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

PERIODICALS

JOURNAL OF RESEARCH—The Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards reports NBS research and develop- ment in those disciplines of the physical and engineering sciences in which the Bureau is active. These include physics, chemistry,

engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences. Papers cover a broad range of subjects, with major emphasis on measurement

methodology and the basic technology underlying standardization. Also included from time to lime are survey articles on topics

closely related to the Bureau's technical and scientific programs. As a special service to subscribers each issue contains complete

citations to all recent Bureau publications in both NBS and non- NBS media. Issued six times a year. Annual subscription: domestic

$18; foreign $22.50. Single copy, $5.50 domestic; $6.90 foreign.

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Monographs—Major contributions to the technical literature on

various subjects related to the Bureau's scientific and technical activities. Handbooks—Recommended codes of engineering and industrial practice (including safety codes) developed in cooperation with in- terested industries, professional organizations, and regulatory

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the authority of the National Standard Data Act (Public Law

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NOTE: The principal publication outlet for the foregoing data is the Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data (JPCRD)

published quarterly for NBS by the American Chemical Society

(ACS) and the American Institute of Physics (AlP). Subscriptions,

reprints, and supplements available from ACS, 1 155 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington. DC 20056.

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test methods, and performance criteria related to the structural and

environmental functions and the durability and safety characteristics of building elements and systems.

Technical Notes—Studies or reports which are complete in themselves but restrictive in their treatment of a subject. Analogous to monographs but not so comprehensive in scopie or definitive in treatment of the subject area. Often serve as a vehicle for final reports of work performed at NBS under the sponsorship of other government agencies.

Voluntary Product Standards—Developed under procedures

published by the Department of Commerce in Part 10. Title 15. of

the Code of Federal Regulations. The standards establish nationally recognized requirements for products, and provide all concerned interests with a basis for common understanding of the

characteristics of the products. NBS administers this program as a supplement to the activities of the private sector standardizing

organizations. Consumer Information Series—Practical information, based on N BS research and experience, covering areas of interest to the con- sumer. Easily understandable language and illustrations provide

useful background knowledge for shopping in today's technological marketplace. Order the above NBS publications from: Superiniertdeni of Docunieni\. Governmeni Priming Office, Washington. DC 20402. Order the following NBS publications—FlPS and NBSIR s—from

the National Technical Information Service , Springfield, VA 22161

.

Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS

PUB)—Publications in this series collectively constitute the Federal Information Processing Standards Register. The Register

serves as the official source of information in the Federal Govern- ment regarding standards issued by NBS pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 as amended.

Public Law 89-306 (79 Stat. 1127), and as implemented by Executive Order 11717(38 FR 12315, dated May 11, 1973) and Part 6

of Title 15 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).

NBS Interagency Reports (NBSIR)—A special series of interim or

final reports on work performed by NBS for outside sponsors

(both government and non-government). In general, initial dis- tribution is handled by the sponsor: public distribution is by the National Technical Information Service . Springfield. VA 22161.

in paper copy or microfiche form.
U.S. Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300