A Forecast of Office Automation Technology to 2000

Abstract

This paper presents a forecast of developments in technologies involved in white collar automation through the year 2000. It divides the technologies according to their primary information-related function. The functions to be considered include input, processing, data base management, output, and communications. Technologies are divided into three levels of aggregation: components (e.g., microprocessors), devices (e.g., microcomputers), and systems (e.g., terminals linked to a minicomputer).The forecast is synthesized from primary and secondary sources to suggest general directions of technological developments in the office automation area.