As the 21st century approaches, the rapid convergence of computing, communications, and information technology promises unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery,industrial progress, and societal benefit. The development of ever more powerful high-performance computers and effective low-cost computers, advanced networking technologies, evolving software technologies, and the phenomenal growth of the World Wide Web are enabling unparalleled advances in science and engineering, as well as facilitating the integration of information technology into the mainstream of American life. Research in computing, communication, and information systems will be pivotal at this unique juncture of technological, historical, and societal forces. To meet the challenges of a radically new and technologically demanding century, the Federal Computing, Information, and Communications CIC programs are investing in long-term research and development R and D to advance computing, information, and communications in the United States.