COMSPEC® (Computer Specifications), was the first of a family of interrelated computer aids for the construction industry, and was developed as two things: (1) a new computer language keyed to construction industry terminology, and (2) a nationally available computerbased specification development program for design professionals and others in the construction industry. It was an impressive advance in specification processing at that time (1970). More important, COMSPEC® introduced computer usage concepts and procedures that are the basis for many of the CSRF programs being developed today.

The COMSPEC® program initially required the power of large mainframe computers. With the widespread adoption of micro and mini computers and the use of magnetic and optical media for information distribution, the program has been adapted to the hardware and software most commonly used by the industry for project manual development. CSRF is currently developing enhanced microcomputer software based on the COMSPEC® program concepts, supporting the SPECTEXT® Libraries now distributed to users in a form compatible with their software and hardware. Further, COMSPEC® was designed to manipulate and be compatible with construction information and cost databases and product information libraries.

The COMSPEC® concept was a large step toward the modernization of construction industry communications. It is designed to permit the computer to support the fundamental act of designing and specifying what should be built and how. But it is a small step in terms of what can and must be done to fully utilize the computer in helping building participants to make decisions.

Today CSRF is addressing the development of programs that will harness the power of computers in the A/E/C industry. These programs include:

• integration of CADD with SPECTEXT® and cost data;
• integration of estimating programs with SPECTEXT®;
• development of databases of U.S. and international standards; and
• distribution of programs and databases on the Web and other media.

The development of affordable computers and powerful software has made possible the programs outlined in The Stanford Report some 20 years ago. CSRF continues to move forward in implementing these concepts for the benefit of the entire industry.