The information and communication technologies (ICTs) of the 1990s enable the electronic production and consumption of increasingly vast quantities of information. The effects are likely to be both unpredictable and contradictory, and will have consequences for business, governments, organizations, and citizens. In this agenda-setting book, a highly experienced interdisciplinary team describe and analyze the impact of these developments. This book moves from economics, sociology, and political science in its study of information and communication and will be essential reading for all those in these disciplines concerned to understand the ICT challenge.