'In a few years', pioneer computer scientist J.C. Licklider wrote prophetically in 1968, 'men will be able to communicate more effectively through machines than face-to-face.'

While few would argue that electronic information and communication networks are a replacement for face-to-face communication, it's become clear to all that networks have utterly transformed practically every aspect of daily personal and business life.

This report will delineate the most important developments in electronic information and communication technologies over the past few decades. These will include voice networks such as public switched telephone, private leased line, wireless, voice-over IP and satellite, data networks including the Internet, proprietary LANS and WANS and wireless messaging, financial transaction networks including electronic funds transfer, EDI and Internet e-commerce, as well as video networks, whether enabled through cable, satellite or the Internet.

It will also examine the near and longer term commercial opportunities and challenges of a number of emerging technologies, products and applications in each of these areas. Through the study of historic patterns, new technological innovations and the perspectives of key industry insiders, forecasts and projections are made of user markets, network traffic and expenditures through the year 2004.