Microelectronics has been the key to the computer's improved performance and decreased costs. In electronics and computers, "small is beautiful" because small is cheaper, faster, and more reliable. As computers become a daily part of more and more people's lives, emphasis is shifting to programming, ease of use, and applications. Responsiveness to human needs has become the primary challenge facing system designers. How well the industry fulfills this goal will determine whether the emerging information services of the 1980's realize their potential both for improving the quality of life and achieving much-needed productivity gains.