Introduction
The IMT Custom Machine Company, Inc. has been facing numerous challenges in the articulation of its different areas of the information system. According to findings by Browning, the current system lacks integrity because it is characterized by outdated manual processes that are likely to propagate errors at every stage of data and information manipulation. As revealed by the vice president and division manager in the case study, the company needs to forge a clear vision of how it intends to enhance the quality and efficiency of its information system. The vice president was looking for a long-term solution for these issues; hence, she contracted Browning to look into the current organizational needs in terms of the information system and to provide recommendations that will potentially solve the prevailing problems. This paper discusses the recommendations provided by Browning, with a close focus on the pros and cons associated with the respective recommendations.
Pros and cons of the four options
The first option presented by Browning is for the company to phase out older packages in the information system and adopt an exclusive application of the IBM computing environment. IBM provides a feasible platform to run all the logistic processes with the adoption of the relevant support software. According to Browning, this approach would facilitate cost-cutting in the development of an information system that integrates all the processes within the organization. Since the company is working on a low budget on upgrading the information system, this option is reasonably affordable.
It is, however, apparent that the main disadvantage of this option is that it will introduce undesirable changes in the organization (Nelson & DeHayes, 2010). The page reveals that the engineers and other human assets in the company are accustomed to working with the outdated packages and their associated support systems; hence, they will be angered by the change. This option might result in high resistance to change by the human resources of the company; thus, it might affect the overall performance of the company, and this will have negative repercussions on the profit margins.
The second option entails the development of a workstation computing approach through the introduction of a UNIX-based mainframe that is smaller than the current mainframe. The main idea is for the company to gradually invest in UNIX-based hardware and software to facilitate a fast speed network through LAN and WAN PC networks that would facilitate the integration of databases. One of the advantages of this system is that unlike the current information system, the option approach results in a comprehensive client/server platform. The development of the recommended system would take about ten years for a complete migration to a UNIX workstation to be accomplished; hence, it is quite time-consuming. Another disadvantage of this option is that it will be relatively expensive for the company (Nelson & DeHayes, 2010). It is also apparent that this option has the potential to disintegrate the computing system of the company, whereas one of the targets of the vice president is to integrate the computing system; hence, the option does not meet all the goals of the company.
The third option is for the IMT Custom Machine Company, Inc., to outsource data management from a data hosting company. The hosting company would be responsible for manipulating the data as required by IMT; hence, the company would not be required to invest in any computing hardware and software. The option is quite cost-effective, but the company would have to invest in the installation of a Linux-powered platform to facilitate the easy integration of different computing environments. Since IMT is associated with dynamic computing needs from time to time, a Linux environment is suitable because it is compatible with numerous computing platforms. The Linux-powered platform would also be easier to maintain because there are many companies offering support for the same, and the in-house professionals can also handle any challenges that the system might develop.
Another advantage of this option is that the company will not need to worry about the technical challenges with the server because the hosting company will take care of the issues (Nelson & DeHayes, 2010). This approach has been applied by big companies in various industries, including the oil industry; hence, it is guaranteed to work efficiently at IMT. The only disadvantage that might be associated with the third option is the lack of support for the human assets when using the different computing systems. IMT will have to finance training and development programs every time the company uses a new computing platform from the host company.
The last option for the company would be to maintain a close eye on the computing needs of the company and make changes when there is a need for the same. This approach means that the leadership function of the company should not commit to any long-term changes. Browning also suggests that the company should look into introducing Linux as an experimental platform to evaluate its viability. One of the disadvantages of this approach is that the company will continue operating without a clear vision of its information system (Nelson & DeHayes, 2010). The only advantage is that IMT will not incur any hefty costs in changing its information system.
Recommendation
A critical evaluation of the options recommended by Browning reveals that the first, second, and fourth options are associated with undesirable results. Page’s dream is to develop a long-term solution for the company’s information system; hence, the company should go with the third option. IMT should contract a hosting company to provide relevant computing platforms and easier data manipulation and management services. The stability of the hosting companies has been demonstrated by their support for companies in the oil industry for the past several years; therefore, IMT should be confident about contracting a data hosting company. The Key applications will be software products to support virtual machines, and working through a Linux-powered platform is bound to facilitate better support for the users, and it will also enhance the integration of different software in the computing processes of the company (Nelson & DeHayes, 2010). The information system will be compatible with the existing computer hardware in the company; hence, the low budget suggested by the vice president will be achieved. Staff members in the company will handle the option effectively after enrolling for the relevant training and development programs. There will be adequate assistance in the handling of the Linux platform from the programming team. In addition, IMT will not have to incur the cost of licensing the various software products required in its dynamic computing processes.
Conclusion
The vice president and division manager at IMT should pursue the third option presented by Browning because it offers the best results for the company. Not only does it attain parallelism with the organizational goals, but it also facilitates cost-cutting and easier development of long-term solutions to the current issues facing the information system at IMT. It is imperative for the company to take the most affordable option because of the budgetary constraints that it is facing.
Reference
Nelson S. R., & DeHayes, D. W. (2010). IMT Custom Machine Company Inc.: Selection of an Information Technology Platform. In Brown, C. V., DeHayes, D. W., Hoffer, J. A., Martin, E. W., & Perkins, W. C. (Eds.), Managing Information Technology (pp. 116-127). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.