ARES/Data is basically a multiple-connect, multiple-port specialized bulletin board system with a conference bridge that is tailored to store and retrieve basic information about people, places, or things in an emergency or disaster The program is a generalized form of the FINDER program (Family Information Database for Emergency Responders, by WN6I and N6KL, 1987). Although ARES/Data allows access to the database via packet radio, the program can also operate stand-alone without any packet radio access. The actual operating mode is chosen by the system operator when the ARES/Data program is started
