infostructure
n. The underlying hardware and software that supports a large-scale computer system or network.
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Etymology
Examples
1995
"The first wave (of successful businesses) demanded access to financial capital," Dr Bregman said. The second wave, in the middle of the century, was when the key asset was intellectual capital.

"This third wave is based on the use of information technology and a very rich 'infostructure' which makes it very difficult for a large enterprise to retain control of its intellectual capital.
—Beverly Head, “New wave of 'infostructure',” Australian Financial Review, May 29, 1995
1995
Understanding the economics of infostructure requires public policy research. It is common sense that a well-conceived infrastructure allows a society to improve productivity, but there is little analysis to prove this. Research should address issues such as which conditions encourage and which inhibit the development and deployment of new forms of infostructure.
—John Diebold, “Public infostructure needs rethinking,” Computerworld, March 06, 1995
1973 (earliest)
A third complicating factor is the reliance of Canadian industry upon the research and development of the North American industrial infostructure.
—Jaan Teng, “Towards 3000: The Dynamics of Future Post-Secondary Education,” Sir Sandford Fleming, January 01, 1973
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