This article focuses on the mastery over the microscopic information processes embodied in devices such as integrated circuits and microcomputers and its effects on society and competition between the computer and telecommunications industries. (Author/SA)

Describes the formation of the supercomputer system which reaches from Seattle to South Florida. Explains the major obstacles of international protocols, billing, priority routing, and security. (RT)

Stresses providing reliable, factual information directly to users. Describes classes of data, the need for good data, quality control of databases, the electronic revolution in data dissemination, systematic cooperation to reduce costs of developing online services and of creating data bases, and trends in data dissemination. (JN)