Organizational connectivity systems: is function being effectively managed?
Dennis A. Adams, Ira R. Weiss · ACM SIGMIS Database the DATABASE for Advances in Information Systems · 1989
The function of the information systems (IS ) department traditionally has been data stewardship .Data was collected from various parts of the organization, processe d and stored for subsequent use .As systems development an d processing moves out to the functional areas, IS ha s become more delivery oriented .Issues of concern seem t o be more associated with connectivity from machine to user and user to user rather than analysis and design o f production applications .While a great deal of data is stil l being centrally accumulated, access to and processing o f this information is gradually moving closer to the points o f final consumption .Consequently, the IS function is becoming responsible for information logistics within th e organization .Telecommunications are the key components and provide the organization infrastructure for thi s phenomena .Telecommunications provides links between a company and its suppliers and customers .It provides a conduit through which information can flow in support o f decision making .Telecommunications also includes the transportation of non-data signals as well .Voice and video communications directly impacts the day-to-day function s of the manager .It is estimated that 88% of a manager' s time is spent communicating (Mintzberg, (1973)) .As the forms of communication become more diverse an d numerous (e .g., facsimile, electronic mail, voice mail), the importance of effective communication managemen t becomes critical .The 1984 divestiture of AT&T has brought abou t changes to the structure and methods of telecommunicatio n management within large organizations .Prior to the divestiture, voice and data communication managemen t were frequently handled by different divisions and levels o f the firm .Voice communication management consisted o f purchase and implementation/operations decisions with th e local telephone company or similar firms .Data communications, usually operating under the aegis of MIS , was responsible for keeping terminal equipment and loca l lines operational .Although the ubiquitous telephone touched more employees than the computer, the dat a communications function was afforded more visibilit y because of its ties with MIS .After the divestiture, increase d competition and technological advances forced both areas t o consider broader functionality in the capabilities an d management of their telecommunication environments .I n fact, we are now witnessing a merger of the once disparat e