Offices have changed dramatically since the days of secretary pools, and huge basement level computer rooms. While there still are computer rooms, and secretaries, the roles of these office resources have changed. Secretaries now use Automated Office Support Systems (AOSS) to complete their old tasks, as well as accomplish many new responsibilities. Word processing has taken the place of shorthand and typewriters. With a word process, the office assistant is able to create several different drafts of the same letter. Changes and updates are done with cut and paste. When a word process is run from the network, the letters can be kept in a public or semi-public area. That way the assistant and the boss are able to view, edit, and print important files. Spreadsheets are used to track financial as well as other numerical data. Today’s assistant can keep accurate billing information without having to run huge mainframe programs. With desktop publishing tools, one can see the page before it goes to press. With the ability to change items on the fly, assistants are able to get the required results, even when management changes their minds.

Electronic calendars can be used to optimize schedules. If you need to meet with someone, you can check schedules with the database. Also, the system does not allow you to overbook your appointments. Electronic mail allows its users to communicate without phone calls or meetings. All of the information can be sent in a matter of moments. Changes and updates on ideas or plans can be made and sent back. E-mail is idea for office members not in the same building, town, country, or planet. The astronauts use e-mail to communicate with their family and friends on Earth while in orbit. With electronic filing important company data can be stored for years without worrying about loosing paper. 40 gigs of information can be stored on one tape instead of using a file cabinet full of paper. Managers can use the files to track past performance and project new directions for the company. At TeleCheck, e-mail is used to open tickets in the help desk tracking software. TeleCheck customers also send data files through the Internet, to our e-mail accounts. These files update our check writer database.

All of the above systems are on several servers. The servers hold the applications, files, and accounts. The LAN is used in the building to connect each person, and department to the network. A WAN is used to connect the TeleCheck offices in Australia and New Zealand. The type of network used it TCP/IP. With each office having it’s own IP address, information can be routed to the correct place quickly. The use of TCP/IP also makes it easy to connect to the World Wide Web. Many of the programmers who have on call duty work from home. With the use of ISDN lines, no one can tell if they are in the office or at home. The ISDN connection allows them to use all of the companies resources from the comfort of their own home.

Today’s integrated office gives more power to each user. Managers and their assistants are able to get the reports and data they need by using Office type products. They no longer have to wait for programmers to write complex applications that may or may not put the data in a view they need. Also, they do not have to wait for night processing to see real time changes to their data. ISDN lines, LAN, and WAN extends the reach of the companies network. People are able to connect from home, or out of country. Meetings, proposals, and database information can be updated on the fly. Automated office support tools and systems give office workers control, and organization.

I used TeleCheck Inc. as my model company.