INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN OCEANOGRAPHY (ITO-98)

GOA, INDIA 12-16 OCTOBER 1998

INTERNET: INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT TOOL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY IN OCEANOGRAPHY - AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Randy Emmanuel Kommey

In the 20th century, rail lines revolutionised or transformed the world by providing a transportation network that moved raw materials and manufactured products from one place to another. In short they were a catalyst to the process of industrialisation.

In the same manner, Information Networks have started a new revolution by providing the technology that transports data needed by societies in which information plays a key role. Networking allows industry, education, governmental and non- governmental organisations and individuals to interact frequently and efficiently. It has in fact begun to change the way we view the world by shrinking geographic distances and forming new communities of people who interact frequently.

Worldwide networks gather data on diverse subjects such as atmospheric conditions, crop production, power generations, air traffic, etc. Many people or many information centres in the world, these days, have established electronic mailing lists so that they can share vital information of common interest. Indeed the importance of data networks cannot be over-emphasised as they allow or permit people to send programmes and data to remote super-computers for processing, to retrieve the results, and to exchange scientific information. Besides, the information and data are eventually used to, by and large, improve the quality of life.

[ITO - 98] [Welcome] [1998 - International Year of the Oceans] [Objectives of ITO-98] [Plenary Lectures] [Technical Sessions] [Commercial/Corporate Presentation] [Exhibition/Demonstration] [Ocean IT CDROM] [Awards/Financial Assistance] [Fees / Charges] [Souvenir] [Post Symposium Event] [International Scientific Programme Committee] [Organizing Committee] [Schedule] [Scientific Programme Summary] [The Host] [Travelling / Accomodation] [Registration Forms] [Abstracts]

"to continously improve our understanding of the seas
around us and to translate this knowledge to benefit all"