In 1998, Iowa State University Statistical Laboratory became one of the first university users of Blaise in North America. The Statistical Laboratory (Stat Lab) began collecting data using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) in 1995, but was interested in finding a different product, one that could meet a small shop’s need for simplicity while providing the ability to conduct large and complex studies. After previewing a number of software options, the Stat Lab selected Blaise for several reasons: its ability to handle large complex data sets; its ease of use for both interviewers and supervisors; its strong data editing and case management capabilities; it would soon be in a Windows version; and the prospect of strong user support from Westat. In this paper, we outline our initial experiences with Blaise and identify features that we hope to explore in the future