The biggest task for a national statistical office (NSO) is invariably the population census that normally takes place every ten years. Many NSOs attempt to supplement the data collected in a national census by conducting an ongoing program of household sample surveys. National censuses and sample surveys are by no means the only work of an NSO, but they are activities that typically demand the greatest use of data processing resources. Many NSOs depend exclusively on a mainframe computer that is either in-house or at a national computer center for their processing support. Perhaps the greatest problem associated with mainframe computing is attracting, training, and retaining computer professionals. As the NSO user becomes more proficient in the use of the microcomputer and its associated software repertoire, it becomes evident that the standard software offerings do not address many of the processing needs of censuses and surveys. The development of integrated software is expensive and time-consuming.