INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECTURE FOR CHANGE.

Abstract

This paper defines a technology architecture for information processing in large corporations. It describes a matrix of processing environments consisting of three processing types: production, decision support, and office; three processing locations: centralized, departmental, and workstation; and a methodology for implementing applications in those environments. Key to the architecture is a supporting framework comprising the communications network, a data service function, an office services function, enabling software, and support organizations. This approach is designed to provide an integrated information system to support organizations whose business environment is changing, and where flexibility, responsiveness to change, and cost effectiveness are vital. The approach is representative of methods used by systems engineers in assisting customers to decide on a system configuration that best suits their needs.