The advent of computer files to store company data was significant; it not only established a landmark in the use of
computer technologies, it also represented a huge step forward in a business’s ability to process data. Previously,
users had direct, hands-on access to all of the business data. But they didn’t have the tools to convert those data into
the information they needed. The creation of computerized file systems gave them improved tools for manipulating
the company data that allowed them to create new information. However, it had the additional effect of introducing
a schism between the end users and their data. The desire to close the gap between the end users and the data
influenced the development of many types of computer technologies, system designs, and uses (and misuses) of many