General Review of DEC STD 012-04

This document is an interoffice memorandum requesting a general review of DEC STD 012-4, "Unified Numbering Code (UNC) - Software Numbering Conventions" (Revision NX03, dated 15-Jul-1993).

Purpose of the Standard: The standard establishes conventions for assigning UNC part identifiers to all software (including licenses, kits, services, and components) distributed by Digital worldwide. It details a standardized 2-5-2 (XX-XXXXX-XX) and 2-5-2.4 (XX-XXXXX-XX.XXXX) part identifier structure, defining the meaning of each character position for various software classifications (e.g., documentation, licenses, services).

Key Updates/Changes in this Revision (NX03):

• Table Updates: Incorporates several approved table updates, notably supporting a "media retirement initiative."
• Q2- Part Class Codes: Specific @8 codes (6, 7, 8, and 9) within the Q2- part class (Software Application Products) are being returned to "unassigned" status as they were never fully implemented.
• Historical Identifiers Clarification: In Heading 21 (Historical Software Numbering Conventions), the "UPI" (Unique Product Identifier) for the older 5-2 numbering scheme (Qxxxx-xx) is now explicitly differentiated and referred to as "HUPI" (Historical Unique Product Identifier), distinguishing it from UPIs used in the current 2-5-2 scheme (Qx-xxxxx-xx).

Review Request: The memo asks recipients to review the attached document for technical accuracy, highlighting any comments. Comments will be reviewed by June Davenport, the standard owner, and are required by August 12, 1993. The document itself is explicitly marked as "NOT APPROVED" in its current review state.