It could prevent young researchers from developing the software needed by their colleagues. In a similar way, the possibility to instantaneously perform and visualize heavy computations helps the researcher or the practitioner to analyze his data and to verify his hypothesis. In any case, it is important to point out that an academic software is only a tool among others. Computers and software are not near to replace books for research and teaching. All jurors and finalists agreed that software development should be considered as worthy as a traditional research project.
Computers are now an integrated part of any academic activity.
Universities should now consider whether investing for internal software development or take the chance to depend entirely on the private sector. The interest demonstrated by several publishers, among which Springer Verlag who hosted the EASA 94 final round, shows that this market exists. Conclusions Our selection to the final round of the EASA 94 has demonstrated that there is, in our university, a potential for developing academic software. This potential should be used for research and educational projects. An improved support to projects promoting the development of academic software would allow our university to provide the scientific community with high quality software which are needed.