The feasibility of a partnership between educational institutions and data processing companies is explored. The purpose of a partnership would be to advance institutions technologically by utilizing the best resources of business and education. Attention is directed to a framework based upon a succession of paradigms for explaining stages of data processing. The initial paradigm is a single data processing operation and a single institution in one location. The final paradigm is a decentralized data processing operation networked to other institutions and joined to a corporation in a partnership. Variables (resources) that effect the movement from one stage to another are also considered: personnel, physical, financial, and institutional. Personnel variables include staff expertise, professional growth opportunity, attitudes, user satisfaction, and administrative support. The financial considerations include viability, commitment, and cost effectiveness, while the institutional/corporate concerns include leadership, priorities, perspective, and orientation. A framework for analysis is also included, based on assumptions concerning the strength of the educational institution and the strength of the company (SW)