On-line business applications

The federal government is destined to play a key role in the future development of on-line business systems and the structure of the new industry growing up around them. Six points of contact already are evident: 1. Anti-trust action (real and implied) as in the current cases against IBM and AT&T. 2. Inquiries on the practices and policies of the communications common carriers as in the recent FCC inquiry on the relationship between computers and communications, and the now discharged Task Force on Telecommunications appointed by Lyndon Baines Johnson. 3. Hearings on privacy and associated rights of the individual as conducted last year by Congressman Gallagher and Senator Long. 4. Legislation on copyrights and other possible mechanisms for protecting computer software. 5. Encouragement of standardization and economy measures as in the Brooks Bill and intended activities by the National Bureau of Standards, the General Services Administration, and the Bureau of the Budget. 6. Direct and indirect subsidies of development through research grants, purchase of services and equipment, and support of education.