A computer language for database management, usually pronounced as “sequel” or “S.Q.L”. It is probably the most commonly used data management language in the mid 1990’s, largely due to its maturity and standardization across varying computer platforms, from microcomputers to mainframes. The language itself, such as “SELECT last-name FROM providers WHERE specialty = ‘Surgery’”, is often hidden from users by using front end programs which give the user a fill-in-the-form type of interface. SQL was invented by IBM in the 1970’s, and ironically, was actually called SEQUEL in its early years. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Standards Organization (ISO) published an official standard for SQL in 1986, and significantly expanded it in 1992. Additionally, SQL is a US Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS), which makes it a requirement for many government computer contracts.