This report presents an objective overview of features of six selected data-base management systems and federal user experiences with these systems. Application criteria were developed in order to aid in the evaluation and selection of data-base management systems. The advantages of generalized data-base management systems over traditional methods of software development are discussed. The criteria for choice of the six system's features are presented. The data reported were gathered from two sources--vendors and users. Vendor information consisted of side-by-side presentation of features of the six systems. User experiences reported are summarized under appropriate headings. This information is used to derive application criteria for assessing the usability and operational suitability of data-base management systems to a variety of data processing requirements. The six systems reviewed are ADABAS, IMS/VS, INQUIRE, MODEL 204, SYSTEM 2000, and TOTAL. (Author)