Information Systems in the Organization

TCO

• Consider replacing personal computers with "thin clients" such as network computers.
• Client/server technology offers another take on TCO, without the need to invest in network computers.
• Use automated network management and monitoring systems to reduce the infrastructure costs of WANs.

IT Requirements

• Standards
• Logical Topology
• Centralization, distribution, separation and duplication of the appropriate components
• Management Strategy
• Primary and secondary control points, definition of responsibilities
• Security Policies and Strategies

Network Architecture: Universal Goals

• Interoperability: work with other users
• Scalability: ability to expand
• Flexibility: ability to add or move users
• Security: keep outsiders out
• Central Control: manage from one place

Detailed Requirements

• LAN technologies and boundaries
• Internetworking technologies
• WAN access strategies
• Server operating systems and middleware
• Product restrictions and capabilities

System Acquisition and Installation

• Acquisition Strategy
• Make or buy
• Installation
• Direct, phased, pilot, parallel
• Training and Evaluation
• Centralized or distributed
• Mandatory or voluntary

Strategic Information Systems

• Information systems designed to support or shape competitive strategy.
• Long-range planning
• Response Management
• Innovation

Strategic Advantage

• Only when SIS combine with structural changes can they help provide stategic advantage.

Competitive Advantage

• Techniques for competitive achieving competitive advantage.
• Build barriers to competition
• Increase customer switching costs
• Change the basis of competition
• Change the nature or environment of business
• Optimize pricing strategy