This two part paper will project future perspectives and describe possible scenarios for Product Data Technology (PDT) as we approach the next century. The evolving information society will present us with new technical structures, and PDT environmetns. The transition requires a conscious, systematic approach to avoid the risks of further information pollution, and to conserve the values of human knowledge and competence. The question is, how will we master this challenge of human control and adaptation for the PDT of the future? Part I of the paper, focusses on the technical issues relating to data and how it can be used. Part II, which will appear in the next issue of the Engineering Data Newsletter, will focus on the organisational and cultural issues.
