A major factor in the amazing success of the microcomputer is its inherent ability to free the user from dependence on a large central computing facility with its attendant frustrations. Almost from the beginning, however, there has been pressure to integrate the micro with a more powerful host facility. There are both technical and political problems in such arrangements, including the resistance of the computer "establishment" to encroachment upon their domain by this small but potentially dangerous intruder. While it seems evident that the microcomputer will soon rival its larger progenitor in sheer computing power, thus fulfilling some systems managers' nightmares, the varying needs and capabilities of computer users will ensure the need for central computing facilities at least for the immediate future. Two case studies of microcomputer integration at Brown University and Carnegie Mellon, while still under development, provide solid evidence of serious efforts to integrate mainframe, mini, and microcomputers, while preserving the advantages of each. Six references are listed, as well as three sources that discuss the arguments for microcomputers versus big computers. (Author/LMM)