The automation of statistical data analysis with the help of application packages (ASP) is considered from two points of view. For a non-programmer user, the "external" characteristics of packages are described: purpose, management method, data storage method, and many others. Information on 26 domestic and foreign PPPs is provided. For package developers, the type of control language, data storage, control over user actions, testing method and other issues arising in the design of the PPP are considered. A formal description of an arbitrary software package is given.