Managing Computers in Large Organizations

Managing Microcomputers in Large Organizations
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/167.html
About this PDF file: This new digital representation of the original work has been recomposed from XML files created from the original paper book, not from the
original typesetting files. Page breaks are true to the original; line lengths, word breaks, heading styles, and other typesetting-specific formatting, however, cannot be
retained, and some typographic errors may have been accidentally inserted. Please use the print version of this publication as the authoritative version for attribution.
MANAGING MICROCOMPUTERS IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 120
approval is sought. Dade County, Florida, has placed its microcomputer support
function within the data processing organizations in its Information Center. The
Information Center has already been providing support for user-friendly
software on large mainframes, attempting to bring hands-on computer power
directly to analytical and managerial personnel without requiring traditional
computer programming. The information center concept has achieved
widespread success. Dade County believes that the user orientation of the
Information Center staff will help establish correct use of microcomputers. The
center also provides an excellent opportunity to compare directly the
capabilities of applications software running on large mainframes and on
personal computers.
The state of Alaska is pursuing a policy that attempts to avoid duplication
of mainframe functions on microcomputers. The state recognizes that there are
substantial differences in information systems requirements, and that much time
and effort can be wasted trying to shoehorn a large application into a small
computer in the name of efficiency. Like Kentucky, Alaska is standardizing offthe-shelf
software packages for specific applications, thereby improving the
mobility of experienced staff and reducing training requirements. The state has
also developed its own training courses and materials. In one rather innovative
program Alaska is using prelaw students to assist in developing applications
programs to support legislative functions. The students receive university credit
for their work.
Several other states have taken less comprehensive approaches. These are
understandable if we keep in mind that, in general, state governments more
closely resemble a collection of independent companies, each with a unique set
of goals, rather than a single large company with an overall profit objective. In
other words, providing drivers' licenses has little to do with licensing real estate
brokers, except that both must be accomplished at the lowest cost to the
taxpayer and with the highest quality of service. As a result of the disparate
functions of state agencies, decisions about acquisition and use of
microcomputers are frequently left to the individual agency. Since most
agencies do not have the resources to provide specialized internal consulting for
microcomputers, those that want to take advantage of the new technology must
fend for themselves. This has sometimes led to a proliferation of microcomputer
vendors, software products,
Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.