Introduction
The invention of the computer and the subsequent creation of computer networks are arguably the biggest achievements of the 21st century. The interconnection capability of computer systems can arguably be described as the feature which makes them most versatile and invaluable to their users.
Technological advances have resulted in moves being made to shift from the client/server computing model to the network centric computing model. Madria states that the underlying principle in net centric computing is “a distributed environment where applications and data are downloaded from servers and exchanged with peers across a network on as as-needed basis” (14). While this model has many major advantages, it still has to deal with a number of people-centric problems.
James Robertson advances 10 principles of effective information management which are meant to help improve information management practices by IT personnel. Applying these principles results in effective information management. This paper argues that Robertson’s 10 principles are harder to apply in the context of a network. To reinforce this claim, a review of some the net-centric ideas and how they make effective information management even more complicated will be made.
Principles that are harder to Apply in a network Context
The first principle advanced is “recognize (and manage) complexity. Robertson asserts that the information needs of an organization are inherently complex and organizations must stop looking for simple solutions to the problems. The situation is even direr in the net centric context. Madria reveal’s that in net-centric computing, the complexity level is significantly increased since net-centric computing includes both communications and networking environments where the embedded systems are much larger in scope.
The second principle advanced is that focus should be on adoption. Robertson proposes that projects should be designed from the start in such a manner as to ensure sufficient adoption by the users. This principle is harder to apply in the ever evolving net centric context. Madria revels that net centric is an ongoing area of interest and a wide-variety of software engineering researchers and practitioners are working on the model leading to its constant evolution (14). This evolution will call for constant transitioning by a business which may cause a lot of resistance from users who will prefer to continue using the system they are familiar with
The third principle advanced by Robertson is “deliver tangible & visible benefits”. Here, information management projects are supposed to deliver products that are visible to the rest of the organization and also beneficial. The power that net centric environments afford the organization is great but is very hard to quantify. It is also not visible to most of the staff in the organization. It is therefore difficult to apply this principle in the net centric environment.
The seventh Principle is mitigation of risks and here Robertson warns against selecting inappropriate technology solution and facing technical issues that relate to integration of systems. Net centric computing makes this principle harder to apply for a number of reasons. To begin with, net centric computing gives one access to a myriad of applications which are easily accessible (Madria 14).
The probability of selecting inappropriate technology is therefore very high. Many applications available in the net centric environment are on their beta stage. They are therefore prone to significant errors. Madria goes on to reveal that the nature of network centric model makes it weak when it comes to failures (16).
Principles that are Easier to Apply in a network Context
However, there are some principles which are easier to apply in the context of a network. The net centric environment makes it easier to fulfill principle 5 which is “take a journey of a thousand steps”. In this principle, Robertson asserts that there is no single application or project that can address all the information management needs of an organization and for this reason, multiple solutions must be sort. Net centric is based on creating an environment where a wide pool of applications and data are available for use by various users. This model will therefore allow the organization to access multiple applications which may help it solve its information management problems.
Another principle which is easy to apply is principle 9 which is “aim to deliver a seamless user experience”. This principle proposes that the system from which information is coming from should be hidden from the user. The user should be able to access all available applications and information from his terminal. The net centric model also supports the seamless flow of information (Chang 214). The user is not aware of the location of the application but can use it as if it were locally available. Net centric computing also allows for networking with legacy network protocols which enables seamless integration.
Conclusion
This paper set out to argue that Robertson’s 10 principles are harder to apply in a network centric environment. The discussions presented have shown that the net centric environment makes it harder to apply most of Robertson’s principles.
However, the paper has taken care to point that some principles such as: seamless delivery of services and usage of many applications in projects can be easier to apply in a network environment. From this paper, it can be authoritatively stated that implementing information technology solutions in the net centric computing environment is more complicated than in an ordinary network.
Works Cited
Chang, William. Network-centric Service Oriented Enterprise. Springer, 2007. Print.
Madria, Sanjay. Distributed computing and internet technology. Springer, 2006. Print.
Robertson, James.10 principles of effective information management. 2005. Web.