Definition[]
A computer-mediated network is
“ | electronically linked devices that communicate interactively over network channels. Generally, both electronic devices will be computer-enabled, but at a minimum at least one device must be computer-enabled as in the case of a typical telephone linking with an computer-enabled interactive telephone system.[1] | ” |
Overview[]
"Typically, the interactive link involves minimal human intervention though someone activates the electronic devices, accesses the network, and may even assist with the process or transaction. For example, many e-commerce businesses are providing shoppers with the on-line capability of "chatting" with customer support representatives or even speaking with them through the use of internet telephony software. Examples of devices and networks are:
- Linked electronic devices such as computers, personal digital assistants, webTV,
- Internet-enabled cellular phones, and telephones linked with interactive telephone systems.
- Networks such as the Internet, intranets, extranets, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) networks, and telecommunication networks. Networks may be either open or closed."[2]