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.
Numbering
An SPD number is made up of two components. Using SPD# 12.34.56 as an example, the 12.34 component specifies the unique software product id[2] and the 56 component indicates the revision number of the SPD. Sometimes you will see Digital literature reference SPD's by the full six digit SPD number, such as 12.34.56, and other times it will just reference the most current version, which is denoted by 12.34.XX or 12.34.
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)
