3.2 Increasing Trend in Networking
Computer and IT-based information networking is becoming a familiar concept
among the computer-literate. Without connectivity, most IT assets
would remain only as islands of computing and data processing equipment,
severely limiting information exchange among people and organisations.
Having begun in research institutions, networked information systems are already being used by higher academic institutions, and more recently in the government departments and businesses. Networking is also growing at a rapid pace due to economic forces and this is evident from the frequent press announcements of new networking projects from both the government and private sectors.
With the proliferation of telephone lines and personal computers in private premises, the general public (individuals and companies) are now poised to begin connecting their equipment to public information networks. However, with the exception of JARING, true public information networks virtually do not exist in Malaysia. This evolution of networking becoming a public utility is illustrated in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. Expanding use of networking, towards
the general public
It is our estimate that this trend is only beginning in Malaysia, although it is already apparent in developed countries like USA and the United Kingdom. In these countries, public information networks such as CompuServe have become part of a multi-million dollar industry.