New CATI package from Analytical Group

The Analytical Group, Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., has released Win Query, a CATI software system designed to help users create and administer questionnaires, set up studies, and monitor data. Questionnaire creation uses the Windows point-andclick design for access to WinQuery's questionnaire capabilities, including automatic grids, conditional branching, randomization, rosters, and formulas. WinQuery assigns initial questionnaire logic and lets users make modifications, import questionnaire text, or use Win Query to enter text. Users aren't required to write computer code or memorize commands or rules.

Operations such as setting up samples, setting up interviewers, and study setup all take advantage of Windows ease-of-use. Win Query offers sample management, quota control, automatic call scheduling, automatic callback scheduling and routing of callbacks, automatic disposition tracking, detailed interviewer productivity reports, and up-to-the minute dialable sample reports. Users can output data for use in most any crosstab or statistical analysis software, including WinCross tabulation software.

Three new offerings from SPSS

SPSS Inc., Chicago, has released Quanquest 2.1, which allows researchers to design and develop questionnaires that streamline data collection, interpretation and formatting, giving them control of how CATI, CAPI, Web and paper surveys are designed. New features include a enhanced user interface, facilities for tracking and multinational studies, and improved export capabilities. SPSS is also shipping Neural Connection 2.1 software, which recognizes complex patterns and trends in data. New features include the ability to work with an unlimited number of cases when scoring new datasets, greater compatibility with SPSS files, and improved status information and enhanced data input tools.

In addition, SPSS is offering Surveys with Confidence, a three-part survey research software suite that walks users through the survey process from designing the survey to reporting findings. It features a computer-based training application called Survey Coach made up of five modules that address different parts of the survey process, including planning the survey, creating the questionnaire, collecting and entering data, generating reports and preparing a schedule and budget. Surveys with Confidence also includes Survey Builder for creating professional surveys and Survey Analyst for analyzing the collected survey data and presenting findings.

Spatial Insights releases GD1 Dynamap 2000 Extract

Spatial Insights, Inc., a Vienna, Va., geographic information services company, has developed a menu-driven application for extracting and appending GDT's Dynamap 2000 data to form user-defined, seamless mapping project areas. Using the application, GDT's Dynamap 2000 data are extracted directly from CD-ROM, and data for multiple themes covering multiple states, counties and/or census Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSAs, PMSAs, MSAs) are appended in one operation. The Dynamap Extract and Append application was developed in response to client-driven consulting projects that required the integration of Dynamap 2000 data covering multiple states or counties.

Over 30 specific themes, including census and postal geographic boundaries, roadway systems, and a comprehensive suite of infrastructure location and attribute data can be extracted and appended for any userspecified area. The application was developed using VisualBasic, and works with either MapInfo or ArcView format GDT Dynamap 2000 data.

New Web-based market intelligence service

Active Research, a San Francisco provider of Web-based services for market research automation, has introduced a new market intelligence service, Active Research Advisor, which is designed to shorten the research and testing process and enable companies to get products to market faster. Active Research Advisor is an on-line market information service that leverages the Web for real-time research into changing market conditions. Subscribers log on to the service to access analyses via a point-and-click interface. Active Research Advisor enables manufacturers to test product concepts, spot trends, and run "what-if' scenarios. The service gathers insight from actual buyers directly at the point of shopping.

Site offers business protocol tips

Protocol Consultants International, formerly The Protocol School of Boston, has launched its Web site, www.protocolconsultants.com. Protocol Consultants offers etiquette and protocol consulting services and programs to companies and individuals worldwide. The Web site provides information on the recommended manner to address unique and everyday social and business situations. The types of programs available as well as a personalized question and answer service for unusual etiquette issues are offered free of charge.

Database mapping software from ESRI

ESRI, Redlands, Calif., is offeringBusinessMAP PRO Corporate Edition, a new version of its database
mapping software that includes enhanced site analysis and demographic data, a business locator for
the entire U.S., and a built-in report writer. The software's Market Analyzer contains more than 400 data variables, including population, income, education, households, race, age, and occupation, for the 1990 U.S. Census, 1997 estimates, and 2002 projections. Another main feature is Business Tracker, a list of 11 million U.S. businesses that are sorted by their primary SIC code.

IRI releases ReviewNet 2.0

Information Resources, Inc., Chicago, has released ReviewNet 2.0, the next generation of its Internet information delivery software, which provides access to more detailed information in its InfoScan Reviews database. The Reviews contains detail on sales, market shares and pricing of more than 5,000 brands gathered from over 18,000 food, drug and mass merchandise stores across the U.S. ReviewNet 2.0 provides users with access to regional and market-level information, individual and combined outlet totals, department totals, current and historical trends and a brand search capability.