ABSTRACT
The research literature introduces concepts such as management information systems and decision support systems to support the idea that information technology (IT) systems were for more than just automation. New technologies and the way that people have used the technology have forced government to rethink how to store and share information. The development of local area networks and early wide area networks continued to accelerate the process of diffusion and adoption of computer technology by both organizations and individuals. The new information-sharing possibilities also come with an increased volatility in information and the need for more specific information targeting. The swine flu example shows that there is an increased need for information warranting. The urgency to improve information sharing before and after 9/11 resulted in laws and regulations, such as improvements to the Freedom of Information Act, the Information Sharing Strategy of the Intelligence Community, or the Knowledge Management Act of the army.
