Question

Prior to the proliferation of personal computers throughout the world, businesses commonly used ______ to share documents electronically with customers, suppliers, and partners when postal service was not desirable.

Answer 1

Businesses used electronic bulletin board systems (BBSs) and telecommunications to share documents electronically before the widespread use of personal computers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prior to the proliferation of personal computers throughout the world, businesses commonly used electronic bulletin board systems (BBSs) to share documents electronically with customers, suppliers, and partners when postal service was not desirable. BBSs were the precursor to modern internet capabilities, functioning much like today's website albeit at a slower pace and with more limited capabilities. They utilized modems and telephone networks to facilitate electronic communication, allowing for the transfer of files, posting of messages, and participation in virtual discussions.

Another form of early electronic document sharing, especially for long-distance economic connections, was through telecommunications, which enabled the transfer of information such as computer software, financial planning, and blueprints. This was a more cost-effective and rapid method compared to traditional postal services of the time. Over time, the rise of the internet and developments in technology such as cloud storage and collaboration platforms have further revolutionized how we communicate and share information on a global scale.