Windows File Conversion Software
Joseph M. Hilbe · The American Statistician · 1996
File conversion software translates data between software packages. DBMS/COPY and STAT/TRANSFER freely convert selected spreadsheet, database, and statistical package data. In this review I shall outline the primary features and capabilities of both programs and mention areas where there may be shortcomings. DBMS/COPY released its initial Windows version in September 1994. Manufactured by Conceptual Software in Houston, the DOS version of DBMS/COPY was marketed under an agreement with SPSS for nearly two years. However, with the Windows release, Conceptual Software reclaimed full control of the product. Authored by Henry Feldman, DBMS/COPY translates among some 80 formats, including all major spreadsheet, database, many graphic programs, ASCII, DIF, and statistical packages. STAT/TRANSFER released its initial Windows version product in November 1994. The DOS version has appeared since 1986. Written by Steven Dubnoff of Circle Systems in Seattle, STAT/TRANSFER is a compact conversion program consisting of only one executable file. It is more parsimonious in its scope of conversion than DBMS/COPY, but it does address the foremost database and spreadsheet packages. 1. CONVERSIONS