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 servicesconsists 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
55
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 servicesincludes
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.