THE LIMITATIONS OF THE INSTALLED BASE

Abstract

An area of growing concern in business information systems is the installed base of systems. The term Installed base describes the current applications an organization may be using, the hardware and software technology on which they are based, and the personnel who maintain the applications and technology base. Unfortunately, the installed base may be blocking the development of new computing-based solutions for the future. This column argues that the installed base of systems must be seen as the demon that may prevent the creative use of information systems in solving business problems.

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Notes on contributors

Hugh W. Ryan

HUCH W. RYAN is director of data management and new-age systems and a participating principal at Andersen Consulting, Chicago.