The impending impact of distributed information systems

ABSTRACT

As computer users become more familiar with the capabilities of the equipment, they prefer to be responsible for their own activities - that is, operate their own equipment (under their own sets of priorities and schedules, within their own budget) and use their own data files. Since today's computers - particularly mini- computers - have reached the point where the cost of acquisition is small, many business organizations are venturing into the acquisition of Distributed Information Systems under some form of Distributed Data Processing. Management personnel, particularly those concerned with Management Information Systems (MIS), have become very conscious of the costs associated with data processing. These costs have risen over the years, in spite of the fact that both equipment and communication costs have been reduced. The rise in costs - attributed to poor quality software and the failure of MIS management to improve productivity within the software development process - is the largest problem to be encountered in implementing Distributed Information Systems.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.4 Systems and Software
          Subjects: Distributed systems

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems
          Subjects: Decision support (e.g., MIS)

General Terms:
Management