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Managing Microcomputers in Large Organizations (1985) / Chapter Skim
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The User Era
Pages 124-129

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From page 124...
... Computers were placed behinc! glass walls and the uninitiated were paraded past the mysterious devices in semireligious ceremonies.
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From page 125...
... In this stage steering committees were established, budgetary control procedures developed, and central design agencies organized. Technological talent was concentrated within the organization, and companies believed they could solve all their own problems.
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From page 126...
... For more than 20 years computers represented a mysterious technology, understood only by data processing professionals. Today, however, computers are everywhere, and computer literacy, aicled by software products that permit unique system development without the neec!
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From page 127...
... In an attempt to seek homogeneous technological solutions, thus minimizing software development costs, the Army has acquired or is in the process of acquiring a variety of hardware and software that will support this effort. It includes standardized minicomputers and a family of microcomputers; a set of hardware and supporting software that satisfies the department's worIc~wide administrative and mobilization information needs; a broadband local area network within the Pentagon to integrate multifunctional information needs; video teleconferencing technology to be installed initially at 18 locations, with options for additional installations; and a Data Base Management System (DBMS)
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From page 128...
... Specifically, the professional shoul(l: clesign, develop, and manage the common user network; develop software that satisfies the needs of more than one agency or activity, such as payroll and budget; develop and enforce standards throughout the organization; establish and staff the organization's information center, which instructs users on new tools; provide fourth-generation software tools; and act as the database administrator, ensuring that every data element has a single owner who has identified procedures for its use. Finally, this professional should clevelop a procedure to provide visibility for user-developed software.
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From page 129...
... Without doubt, society is in the midst of major change in its use of computer technology. Clearly, the seminal force is the availability of ever more powerful technology at relatively Tow cost.
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Key Terms

  • data processing
  • software products
  • computer industry
  • central control
  • processing professionals

  • computer literacy
  • corporate database
  • relative roles
  • software industry
  • base management

  • trained programmers
  • solutions demand
  • information industry
  • giving visibility
  • mysterious devices

  • semireligious ceremonies
  • glass walls
  • performing isp
  • public sector
  • help solve

  • uncontrolled nature
  • expansion stage
  • nolan described
  • technology explosion
  • budgetary control

  • mysterious technology
  • implement change
  • literate ant
  • critical nonbattlefield
  • database administrator


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