Also, by enabling communities in remote and rural areas to overcome isolation and to compete in the global economy, information society technologies contribute to cohesion in the European Union. At the same time, the technologies underpinning the development of the information society are in rapid evolution. Advances in information processing and communications are opening up exciting new possibilities. There is a shift from stand-alone systems to networked information and processes. Digitisation is resulting in the convergence of information processing, communications and media.
Content is of increasing significance.
However, the increasing diversity and complexity of systems is also presenting new challenges for their development and use. It will not be possible to realise the full potential of the information society in Europe with only today s technologies, systems and applications. Key requirements such as usability, dependability, interoperability and, above all, affordability are far from being sufficiently met for the broad deployment of information society technologies in all areas. Continuous efforts are required, in research, technological development, demonstration and technology take-up. The strategic objective of this programme would be to realise the benefits of the information society for Europe both by accelerating its emergence and by ensuring that the needs of individuals and enterprises are met.