Programmed control

Marshal McLuhan could be lured by the prospect of an epigram into uttering a delphic half-truth. Even so, his phrase, ‘the medium is the message’, does actually fit a large IT system, for its imposing façade confers an undeserved authority on its output. We charitably assume that so much blood, brains and treasure would not have been poured out unless the results commanded our instant and unquestioning acceptance. But it is not quite like that. Computing plus communications is a quite exceptionally powerful combination, and we need to consider why that should be so. For most people, computers are the mysterious part of IT. After more than a century's experience, rapid electrical communications over long distances are taken very much for granted.

With the widespread use of personal computers, everyone now knows that ‘hardware’ is the electronic and mechanical equipment, and ‘software’ the controlling programs which make it do what we require. Interchangeable control is not a particularly new idea. The drive mechanisms, electronics and loudspeakers of a record player are the hardware of a general-purpose musical instrument which can simulate a symphony orchestra or a soprano by playing the corresponding record. Records are easily changed, and there is no limit to the number of different ones that can be played. It is the same with computers and their programs.