The development of information technology—computers and electronic communication devices—is another factor currently influencing organizational structures. Automatic data-processing systems have been widely _____19_____ in a range of settings. Anyone who draws money out of a bank, or buys an airline ticket, depends on a computer-based communication system. Since data can be processed _____20_____ in any part of the world linked to such a system, there is no need for physical proximity between those involved. However, a fully-fledged “electronic office,” in which the bulk of the work is carried out by machines rather than humans, is still _____21_____ , and there are many problems in the way of its realization. _____22_____ , there is a strong trend towards the transplant of many office activities to electronic machinery. Word-processors, computer networks, teleprinter links, and other electronic systems have already _____23_____ the nature of much office work. In some leading American banks, the trust department, where stock transfers are made, has been completely automated.
【題組】21、 (A) a way of life (B) a way out (C) the right way up (D) a long way off