Specifically, it enables them to test many futures and determine both the most likely and the most desirable outcomes.

The software, Interactive Future Simulations (IFS), is designed to provide a guide to modeling future trends and their interactions. The software allows the user to consider varying alternative futures with as many as 35 different trends and how they will play out in some future time. It even allows the user to run simulations to test different outcomes.

"IFS will provide companies the opportunity to test corporate strategies with no substantial risks," says Dr. Stephen M. Millett, leader of Battelle’s Breakthrough Center. "It makes scenarios of alternative futures not just a learning experience, but a real decision-making tool for new product development, investments, and competitive strategies."

"IFS is both intuitive and flexible, facilitating in-depth analysis of relevant trends and their interactions," adds Brent Badger, who manages the software product for the Breakthrough Center.

IFS is available for license, which includes consulting from Battelle and a two-day workshop. Each license also will include the sample IFS scenarios on the most important drivers of consumer value in household products and services in the U.S. by the year 2010.

Address inquiries to Brent Badger, The Breakthrough Center, Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201-2693; phone: 614.424.3681; e-mail: badgerb@battelle.org.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.