A User's Perspective on Electronic Data Archival: Tlie Importance of Standards

Revolution probably wins the prize for the most overused characterization of rapidly changing non-violent events. However, few words better characterize the rapid rise of the microcomputer as the dominant technology of the 1980s. The device has revolutionized the workplace, bringing the power of electronic digital computing lo the desktop. And, with speed and storage capacity increasing extremely rapidly, the microcomputer continues to transform every task associated with the acquisition, maintenance, and use of information. This paper offers a brief look at the impact of the microcomputer revolution on data distribution and archiving standards, then attempts to chart current trends and conditions in the rapidly changing technological landscape.