TABLE OF CONTENTS Business, industry and public institutions depend on electronic data engineering. Electronic data processing (EDP) systems, measuring and control systems, instrumentation and control as well as secondary technology are all part of a modern industrial plant. Data recording devices at the production facilities are connected to office terminals and computers by information networks ranging between buildings together making CIM (computer integrated manufacturing). Open networks, where different types of computers and different operating systems communicate, are often the basis for CIM. This rapidly expanding business process is now approaching the CIE (computer integrated enterprise) or CIB (computer integrated business); in other words, the complete integration of all ranges of administration into a multi-EDP system. The future lies in the computer-integrated factory or in computer-integrated business and administration.
Everywhere, computers in local banks are connected to the computing centre of the main bank. This 'networked' world, with its growing flow of information, is, however, severely hindered by interference or damage to the essential transmission systems in the telephone and data networks, as well as at terminals (Figure 1 a). Dependence on electronic data processing can quickly lead to catastrophe if the system fails.
An American study in 1987 highlighted the seriousness of the situation. According to this, banks will only be able to manage without EDP for 2 days, sales-oriented enterprises will be able to manage for 3.3 days, manufacturers for 4.9 days, and insurance companies for 5.6 days. An investigation by...
