Introduces three articles that identify various types of database management programs, discuss their basic features and some typical applications and present a table of the leading programs available; profile several companies that are utilizing database management systems; and illustrate several unusual home applications for hobbyists. (MBR)

Some basic conceptual tools, knowledge, and experience that help evaluate needs for a management support system (MSS) to meet the planning and management challenges in academe are presented. An MSS must integrate the planning, control, forecasting, modeling, reporting, computing, and data administration functions of the system. (MLW)

The development of a State University System of Florida data management system is discussed with special emphasis on its user controlled aspects. Major components described include system documentation, computer data files, regional data centers, computing networks, and uniform transaction systems. (Author/MLW)