FIMS is a user interface management system standard based on the concept of a form. FIMS is designed to layer on top of device tool kits, providing added value in the areas of: record oriented data transfer, dialog management (including validation and conditional navigation), efficient distribution in a network, and device independence for application programs. It is appropriate for PCs, workstations, character terminals, blockmode terminals, and high quality printers. A FIMS form can serve as a main program, as a subroutine, or both. When it serves as a main program, the form collects information and calls an application program as a subroutine. when a FIMS form serves as a subroutine, the application program makes calls to the form; there are seven such request types and the Application Program Interfaces for those requests are specified in the standard.