S> (US -ll- or -l-) The proceSS of packing one or more itemS of data into a meSSage buffer, prior to tranSmitting that meSSage buffer over a communication channel. The packing proceSS not only collectS together valueS which may be Stored in non-conSecutive memory locationS but alSo convertS data of different typeS into a Standard repreSentation agreed with the recipient of the meSSage. (2000-06-09)
