Several software surveys between 1991 and 1993 highlighted the need for a suite of programs to perform all the standard functions of X-ray powder diffraction. Dr. J. I. Langford of Birmingham University, and Dr. R. J. Cernik and Dr. P. J. Durham of Daresbury Laboratory, submitted to S.E.R.C. a proposal to establish a new CCP (Collaborative Computational Project). The proposal was approved in June, 1993. The CCP system exists to promote collaboration between different universities into computational and theoretical research in a whole variety of fields within the broad areas of Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Crystallography. Each CCP is coordinated by a Steering Committee, which is, in turn, guided and advised by the CCP Steering Panel. The aims of the current project, CCP14, in powder and single crystal diffraction were then defined:

1. to develop and assemble an integrated and user-friendly suite of programs relevant to the powder and single crystal diffraction communities,
2. to organise meetings, and
3. to set up a working group, establish priorities, disseminate information and report to the CCP Steering Panel.