Software Product Description

Almost every DEC software[1] has an accompanying Software Product Description (short: SPD), describing its features, terms of use and licensing. An SPD defines the legal framework for using DEC software such as the technical prerequisites and guaranteed characteristics. It informs potential customers about the scope of software features and, among other things, also serves as a decision-making aid when selecting the software and the final purchase decision.

Structure

Software Product Descriptions have a standardized structure, recognizable by the section headings. The following list is exemplary - not all headings are used in all SPDs, and there has also been an evolution over time:

• DESCRIPTION
• SOURCE CODE INFORMATION
• MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIRED
• GROWTH CONSIDERATIONS
• DISTRIBUTION MEDIA
• DOCUMENTATION
• OPTIONAL HARDWARE
• PREREQUISITE SOFTWARE
• OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
• SOFTWARE LICENSING
• SOFTWARE WARRANTY
• SOFTWARE PRODUCT SERVICES
• INSTALLATION
• LICENSE OPTIONS
• SOURCE MATERIALS OPTIONS
• SOFTWARE OPTIONS CHART
• TRAINING CREDITS
• SUPPORT CATEGORY
• ORDERING INFORMATION
• ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Sample Software Product Descriptions

• DECnet-10, Version 2, DECsystem-10 Network Software SPD 8.60.1 (AE-D040A-TB)
• VMS Operating System, Version 5.1 SPD 25.01.3 (AE-HQ86F-TE)

Notes

[1] It is currently unknown when SPDs were introduced or whether they have been used since the beginning.