Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services

7.  Computer and information services 
3.116. The  present  Manual recommends that more 
disaggregated information be produced than is 
recommended in BPM5. Thus, three sub-components are 
recommended - computer services, news agency 
services, and other information provision services.  
3.117.  Computer services  consists of hardware and 
software-related services and data-processing services. 
Included are hardware and software consultancy and 
implementation services; maintenance and repair of 
computers and peripheral equipment; disaster recovery 
services, provision of advice and assistance on matters 
related to the management of computer resources; 
analysis, design and programming of systems ready to 
use (including web page development and design), and 
technical consultancy related to software; development, 
production, supply and documentation of customized 
software, including operating systems made on order for 
specific users; systems maintenance and other support 
services, such as training provided as part of 
consultancy; data-processing services, such as data 
entry, tabulation and processing on a time-sharing basis; 
web page hosting services (i.e., the provision of server 
space on the Internet to host clients’ web pages); and 
computer facilities management.  
3.118. Excluded  from  computer services are the 
provision of packaged (non-customised) software 
(classified as goods and therefore not included in 
EBOPS
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) and non-specific computer training courses 
(included in other personal, cultural, and recreational 
services).  
3.119.  News agency services include the provision of 
news, photographs, and feature articles to the media. In 
the GNS/W/120 list of services that was a basis for the 
GATS commitments in the Uruguay Round, these 
services are a part of  “recreational, cultural and sporting 
services” rather than computer and information services 
in the case of BPM5. These services are therefore 
                                                 
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  At the time of preparation of the present Manual, the 
classification of the provision of software that is downloaded 
through the Internet was under discussion. 
separately identified in EBOPS, thus facilitating a 
linkage with GNS/W/120.  
3.120.  Other information provision services  includes 
database services - database conception, data storage and 
the dissemination of data and databases (including 
directories and mailing lists), both on-line and through 
magnetic, optical or printed media; and web search 
portals (search engine services that find internet 
addresses for clients who input keyword queries). Also 
included are direct, non-bulk subscriptions to 
newspapers and periodicals, whether by mail, electronic 
transmission or other means.