(FORTUNE Magazine) – 1994 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GUIDE

INTRODUCTION 1 MAKING HIGH TECH WORK FOR YOU An overview of our user-friendly guide for those who deal with information technology. by Alan Farnham

INFO TECH IN BUSINESS 14 HOW TO BOLSTER THE BOTTOM LINE From Ford to American Express, five well-known companies wrest outsize financial returns from investments in information technology. They share the secrets of their success. by Stratford Sherman

32 THE PAYOFF FROM 3-D COMPUTING Software that brings information vividly to life can benefit everything from stock picking to drug design. It saves time and money too. by Gene Bylinsky

INFO TECH IN BUSINESS 44 MAKING IT ALL WORKER-FRIENDLY Information technology won't transform your business if employees can't use it. Here are some hard-won lessons on how to get them -- and keep them -- involved. by David Kirkpatrick

INNOVATION 56 FORTUNE VISITS 25 COOL COMPANIES What has the computer revolution done for you lately? Six of our writers fanned out across the U.S. and found high-tech businesses bringing new ideas to life. They'll turn you on for sure.

GUEST COLUMNS 105 CUSTOMERS WILL BE THE INNOVATORS As the computer industry consolidates, ingenious applications will multiply. by Ernest von Simson

108 WHEN TO BE A BETA SITE Testing technology before it comes to market is alluring -- and loaded with risk. by Bro Uttal

112 THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL Even with the videoconferencing marvel, you might have to hit the road to make a buck. by Paul Saffo

INFO TECH AND YOU 127 ME AND MY MODEM Wherein Dr. Keeping Up recounts the joys and terrors of delving into databases. by Daniel Seligman

140 THE WIRED EXECUTIVE A catalogue of high-tech gear for the traveling businessman's office-on-the- go.

by Rick Tetzeli

THE FUTURE 153 BOOM TIME ON THE NEW FRONTIER As computer networks grow, they will become electronic marketplaces -- and bring on the greatest transformation of commerce since the introduction of the automobile. by Thomas Stewart

162 YOUR WALLET IN THE YEAR 2000 Sleek new cards will replace thick wads of cash.

DEPARTMENTS 8 EDITOR'S DESK 10 INDEX

COVER: Shedding light on the bedazzling world of the computer. Photograph by Ted Morrison, gold leaf by Nicholas Fasciano.