Office technology focuses on the office information functions, including word processing, data processing, graphics, desktop publishing, and communications. The backbone of technology-rich office environments is a local area network (LAN), which is a single-site computer network, or a wide area network (WAN), which can support worldwide work groups. These networks provide tools for users to transmit data, graphics, mail, and voice across a network. All office functions, ranging from correspondence, to multimedia presentations, to videoconferences, to automated records management, to technologies to support distributed work groups, depend on office technologies. Office technologies, such as keyboarding, dictation, filing, copying, fax, Telex, records management, and telephone and switchboard operations, are candidates for integration.

Office Systems

Office technologies are integral components of office systems. Office systems exist to facilitate and retain communications, including the creation, processing, retention, and distribution of information. Office systems consist of tasks to be performed...