Office automation is the progeny of technological imperatives coupled with bureaucratic realities. Advances in computer, photographic, and telecommunication technologies have made it possible to collect, edit, store, distribute, and copy documentary information at ever decreasing cost. The need for training, acceptance, cooperation, and effective use of the technology has filtered out many proposed systems. This article describes the opportunities and limitations inherent in the technologies, focusing on media conversions and equipment compatibility. It also describes the differing needs of convenience users and dedicated users, document preparers, and archivists. The systems that are emerging for use within organizations are compared to systems for use in communication between organizations.