OASIS - a closer look [Outlook and Situation Information System]

• Published in: Agricultural Economics Research Vol. 30; no. 3; p. 8
• Main Authors: Bell, T.M, Loomis, A.L, Overton, C.E, Grimm, H.G. Jr, Schwartz, R.C, Tougias, J, Magiera, S.L, Rower, J, Schwartz, M.W, Westcott, P.C, Roop, J.M, St George, G.E, Salant, M.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Economic Service, etc 01.07.1978
• ISSN: 0002-1423; 1043-3309

Extract: The design and implementation of a computer-based information system for research and for outlook and situation processing 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