The use of computer systems or intelligent terminals within an organization to perform data processing and/or storage functions. The devices may or may not be interconnected via transmission facilities.

Data processing carried out by a system of commuters connected in a network and sharing tasks among themselves.

Use of computer systems or intelligent terminals at multiple sites within an organization to perform data processing and/or storage functions.

A computer system in which data processing is done at decentralized remote computers (usually minicomputers) that are closely associated with individual users, rather than on a central computer with data transmitted over telecommunications lines. This system may combine elements of both remote and centralized processing, by performing preliminary processing at remote minicomputers and then transferring the data to a central computer for final processing.

A data processing organizational concept under which computer resources of a company are installed at more than one location with appropriate communication links. Processing is performed at the user's location generally on a smaller computer and under the user's control and scheduling, as opposed to processing for all users being done on a large, centralized computer system.

An information system approach in which computers are linked together and processing occurs in many places rather than in a large, centralized computer system.

Data processing in which some or all of the processing, storage and control functions, in addition to input/output functions, are situated in different places and connected by transmission facilities.