Managing Computers in Large Organizations

Managing Microcomputers in Large Organizations
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/167.html
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MANAGING MICROCOMPUTERS IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 122
recognized the magnitude of the management problem they face. They have
accepted as a primary responsibility the development of policies, procedures,
and techniques to make the best use of the new microcomputer technology.
They have also recognized that all states have similar, if not identical, problems.
In an effort to share ideas and resources and to cooperate in solving common
problems, NASIS has established an Information Clearinghouse. This
clearinghouse will function as a common repository for states' policies,
procedures, plans, productivity techniques, and anything else that might help
achieve excellence in information systems services. Although few documents
are currently indexed and stored, the Research and Education Committee of
NASIS has placed a major emphasis on acquiring and indexing quality
documents from the states. NASIS wishes to extend the availability of these
documents beyond its membership to other governmental entities and to the
private sector. Mechanisms are now being developed to allow distribution of an
index of available documents, as well as the documents themselves.
It is too soon to evaluate the approaches of various state and local
governments to managing microcomputers within their organizations. Based on
some of their early experiences, however, it is possible to make some
recommendations about the use of microcomputers by government and private
sector organizations:
• Recognize that microcomputers are becoming an increasingly important
tool for your professional staff. Micros are here to stay.
• Provide management support for a cohesive microcomputer policy in your
organization.
• Establish an organizational unit that understands microcomputers and can
provide quality advice for internal management. Such a unit can cut
through marketing claims and provide realistic assessments of capabilities.
• Use your established expertise in systems engineering. An organization's
data processing professionals can greatly facilitate an integrated systems
approach using the new low-cost hardware.
• Monitor early microcomputer installations closely. Capitalize on the
successes and learn from the failures.
• Provide for and insist on education for your management
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