throughout the country, at a time when establishment of data processing systems using computers in local government was recognized as a priority by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Centre provided technical support for local authorities in the introduction and use of computers, provided training courses, conducted research and development of new systems, and served as a place where computer-using organizations could exchange information.
(3) After the mid-1970s
After the mid-1970s, the financial situation deteriorated in both national and local government due to structural changes in the economy in the early 1970s. The introduction of computers was accelerated by many local governments in order to further improve efficiency of administrative operations. Electronic technology, centred on LSI made dramatic progress and computer performance greatly improved. With the progress of data processing technology and communications technology systems began to be built, such as databases for diverse use of data stored on-line or in computers.
Furthermore, as a result of the opening of public communication lines in the 1968s, network systems gradually began to appear between local governments.
During this period, as large general-purpose computers increased in popularity, small high-performance computers, called "off-com", and word processors appeared on the market in the late 1970s. There was a boom in office automation, called the "office revolution", and reform was undertaken of corporate management, especially in private companies. Local governments also began to actively in introduce such equipment and there was a marked trend towards use of this equipment in various fields of the administration.
