In 1977 the Department of Microbiology, University College Hospital, London introduced an integrated data processing system. The system was designed primarily to produce individual reports on specimens processed. Input was via visual display units (VDU's) using nmemonic codes. Additionally data is sorted by the software to provide daily, weekly, monthly and annual listings for epidemiological use. Listings concerning specific problem area can be produced as required. As computing power and data storage systems become cheaper it should be possible to improve upon the quality of epidemiological information available. A continuous surveillance system is envisaged where each day all potential outbreaks are displayed and help with their management is offered. Information on incidence of infections and changing trends (such as anti-microbial resistance patterns) would be instantly available in numerical and graphical form. Modern colour VDU's and new programming techniques would make the system especially easy to use by the untrained operator.