Computer Acquisitions in Higher Education: Managing a Symbiotic Relationship

Computer purchases and acquisitions by institutions of higher education are important for their magnitude, the differences that distinguish their acquisitions from those of other buying units, and the benefits that both the university and the vendor enjoy from them. This article reports on the results of a study of these differences and benefits, and provides a normative model of behavior that enables both purchasers and vendors to manage their symbiotic relationship.