In the late 1960s, a new type of information
system came about: model-oriented DSS or
management decision systems. By the late 1970s,
a number of researchers and companies had
developed interactive information systems that
used data and models to help managers analyze
semistructured problems. These diverse systems
were all called decision support systems (DSS).
From those early days, it was recognized that DSS
could be designed to support decision-makers at
any level in an organization. DSS could support
operations, financial management, and strategic
decision making.