The "communications revolution" and its impact on education is discussed, and definitions of services are provided. Educational applications of communication (the combination of computers and communications) are described and roles for colleges and universities in expanding data communications use are suggested. (BH)

Some basic conceptual tools, knowledge, and experience that help evaluate needs for a management support system (MSS) to meet the planning and management challenges in academe are presented. An MSS must integrate the planning, control, forecasting, modeling, reporting, computing, and data administration functions of the system. (MLW)