Distribution of Epi Info software: An evaluation using the internet

Introduction: Epi Info and Epi Map are computer programs for word processing, database management, epidemiologic statistics, and mapping designed for public health professionals. The programs are in the public domain, and distribution outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been through a variety of informal channels. Method: Individuals and organizations known to have distributed Epi Info or Epi Map since 1987 provided information. Distributors included CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), commercial vendors, translators, instructors in university and public health settings, and other public health professionals. Reports documented a minimum number of 145,320 copies distributed. Conclusions: Since 1994, the Internet has become a major means of propagation, accounting for 66% of the copies for which the method of distribution was known. The Internet also was a major information source for this study.