The computer world is presently locked in a race to produce the futuristic fifth generation computer, one which will simulate some parts of human intelligence. At the back of this is the current interest in expert systems and their adaptation to petroleum exploration and development. Converging hardware and software technologies, combined with industry requirements, show a definite trend to move from the emphasis on hardware and operations systems toward software and informational systems. It is not possible to predict the precise form in which this will impact petroleum industry operations but it is certain that much greater analytical power and control will rest in the hands of the interpreters enabling much higher rates of productivity and effectiveness in the location of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
