ABSTRACT
The fundamental function served by new information technology is that it enhances our ability to communicate information. This chapter establishes four principal functions: making, sending/receiving, storing and displaying. Sending and receiving information are further functions performed excellently by new information technology, which enhances transmission. Information is stored in many forms, and new information technology makes conversion into the most economical form very much more feasible. Integration of these functions is made possible by new information technology, which combines in single systems, large or small, components for input and display, for storage and delivery, for selection and transformation of information. Technical reliability improves with greater integration and costs tend to fall.
