Distribution of Epi Info software: an evaluation using the Internet.
BACKGROUND
Epi Info and Epi Map are computer programs for word processing, database management, epidemiologic statistics, and mapping designed for public health professionals. The programs are in the public domain, and distribution outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been through a variety of informal channels.


METHODS
Individuals and organizations known to have distributed Epi Info or Epi Map since 1987 provided information. Distributors included CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), commercial vendors, translators, instructors in university and public health settings, and other public health professionals. Reports documented a minimum number of 145,320 copies distributed.


CONCLUSIONS
Since 1994, the Internet has become a major means of propagation, accounting for 66% of the copies for which the method of distribution was known. The Internet also was a major information source for this study.
Harbage
B
B
Division of Public Health Surveillance and Informatics, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Dean
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AG
D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003628:Database Management Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D020407:Internet; D011634:Public Health / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012984:Software / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D015443:Word Processing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data