Developed by the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology and the Defense Intelligence Agency with input from other federal agencies, this detailed document contains the 1983 technical forecast for the information processing industry through 1997. Part I forecasts the underlying technologies of hardware and software, discusses changes in the information industry and market, and forecasts products and systems of the future, such as general-purpose systems, distributed processing systems, and office systems. Commentary by federal agency staff on the forecast is provided in Part II, and Part III summarizes a teleconference in which industry automatic data processing (ADP) users and vendors reviewed the forecast. Cost estimates are provided for computer systems, subsystems, and terminals through 1997. Additional discussions address the current and potential rules and regulations of the federal environment, and how they may affect the federal inventory of new ADP equipment and management strategies for the new information technologies, with emphasis on microcomputers. Conclusions, recommendations, and a 15-item reference list are provided. (LMM)