This paper focuses on the design and implementation of an advertising information system. It is based on experience of IMS since 1969 in creating a multi-data base, multi- user interactive advertising and marketing information service. Topics to be addressed will include: 1. Software as seen by the user; 2. The system as seen by the system designer; 3. Performance characteristics of the system; 4. Data bases availability; 5. Pricing of advertising computer services; 6. Directions for change.
This paper presents some of our experiences which bear on these points. The focus is on two issues: system design (a system overview, "consumerizing" research systems, and system design strategies) and multi-national system comparability.