Selective dissemination of information using a large computer Available to Purchase

The article describes a method devised by International Computing Services Ltd. in which the extremely high processing speed of the modern computer can be used to store, select and disseminate information on a wide range of subjects. The first part of the article describes the type of computer, the method of implementation and the over‐all flow and storage of information in the system. The second part outlines the types of input messages which can be accepted by the computer system, including information supplied by users on the relevancy of documents received, and the large number of different outputs that can be obtained. Finally, a brief description is provided on the way the program suite is organised and how the process of matching document information against user profiles is speeded up by initial elimination of irrelevant documents.