The document discusses the capabilities and limitations of information and communication technology (ICT) and how it has evolved since 1943. ICT provides fast processing, vast data storage, flexible data searching and combining, improved presentation, greater accessibility, and enhanced security. However, hardware limitations, software issues, communication problems, legislation, poor systems, and human factors can prevent ICT from always being the answer. The best way to harness computer power is through real-time processing that has evolved from early batch and transaction processing.

1. ICT – The Answer to Everything (well almost) Topic 6 – What ICT can provide

2. "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." — Thomas Watson , chairman of IBM, 1943.

4. What would Thomas Watson want to know about computers now?

5. Section One What Makes ICT So Useful? (or take a look at this Mr Watson!)

6. Fast, repetitive processing

7. Vast storage capacity

9. Improved presentation

10. Increased accessibility

11. Improved security

12. Section Two Is Using ICT Always The Answer? (or Thomas fights back)

13. Hardware limitations

14. Software limitations

15. Communication limitations

16. Legislation

17. Poor systems

18. Operational procedures

19. Poor control mechanisms

20. Human choice

21. Section Three The Best Way To Harness Computer Power? (or ‘sucks to you Mr Watson’)

22. "I have travelled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." — The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957.

23. Batch processing

24. Transaction processing

25. Real-time processing

26. “ Good design is good business” — Thomas J Watson , chairman of IBM.