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Abstract
The design and implementation of a computer-based information
system for research and for outlook and situation
processsing within the Economics Statistics, and Cooperatives
Service uncovered many critical areas: user orientation, data
management, analytical capability, and clarity of output.
Many computer-related design criteria were considered, such
as free-format vocabulary, extendability, linkage to different
data and program storage devices, and error detection-correction
capabilities. Data storage and manipulation techniques
were emphasized since these form a vital part of the outlook
and situation process. The resulting system is one in which
the casual or novice user can communicate a problem to the
computer in a natural manner with little knowledge about
programming or internal workings of the computer.