On-line systems: History, technology, and economics

The development of on‐line systems in science and technology, beginning with the first demonstrations of batch searching through the development of multinational on‐line services, is outlined. The key technological components are described: computers that operate in a time‐shared mode and an efficient, low‐cost telecommunications system. Insight is provided on how on‐line systems are put together and made accessible to users. Finally, on the economics of on‐line systems, the great effort and expenditures underlying the production of services are examined.