Computerized materials property databases and networks are at the leading edge of the introduction of machine readable, numeric data systems in technology. Managers of such systems are faced with pioneering the acceptance both of a new product, namely, high quality data, and a novel means for its delivery. They are well able to catalog the features of their systems, but some of them are less articulate on the benefits which are on offer and which need to be put forward to funding bodies and to potential users.

A CODATA project is currently drawing up structured lists of benefits classified under functional headings. This is a first step in constructing a practical package of assistance to materials database managers in the promotion of their systems, in the evaluation of actual user needs, and, eventually, in preparing a basis for the realistic demonstration of favorable national and international economic consequences.