NiMo Proposal Development
Questions for W. C. Merritt and L. J. Kuhl

17 September 1992

Technical Questions
-------------------
 
 1. What functions do each existing software package perform?
    * Contrast the contingency analysis programs - 
      * Thermal vs voltage vs thermal+voltage?
      * With and without approximations?
    * What relationship does stability analysis have to contingency analysis 
      (in your current operation)?
    * When are the packages used in the operations time frame?
    * How critical are these analysis operations to cost-effective, reliable 
      operations?
    * 
 2. What algorithms are presently being used in the respective software 
    packages?
    * What effect does approximations in the algorithms have on your
      operations?
    * Who developed the models for generators, etc.?
    * 
 3. What data are used in the programs?
    * How do you set-up input data, then analyze/interpret the results for
      a particular contingency evaluation case?
    * 

Software Engineering Questions (aka Dusty-Deck Questions)
------------------------------

 1. What are the current hardware/software configurations?
    * User interface?
    * Current language(s)?
    * Windowing environment?
    * 
 2. What are the histories of the software?
    * Who wrote the software?
    * Who modified/maintained the software?
    * Who owns the software?
    * Who uses the software?
    * Who understands the software?
    * 
 3. Is the same software used in other departments such as planning?
    * 
 4. Can we obtain demonstrations of the various software?
    * Can we obtain access to the software source code?
    * Can we obtain contacts/names at contract software developers?
    * 

General Questions
-----------------
    
 1. What would you like for:
      * Analysis software features?
      * Time-frame of analysis?
      * User interface?
      * 
 2. What is the desired hardware configuration?
    * 
 3. What are your long term market interests for improved software?
    * Sales to other utilities?
    * Sales to regional power regulation authorities?
    * 
 4. What network data can we obtain?
    * NiMo network?	
    * New York State Power Pool?
    * Eastern United States?
 5. Can we examine and/or obtain copies of the current software user's 
    manuals?
    *