Selection of an Information Technology Platform

This option involves retaining the mainframe and getting rid of the SUN and IBM workstations. The AS/400 packages would be ported to the eServer iSeries to make them centrally available. Computational work is to be done on the mainframe while spreadsheets and word processing activities to be done by PCs connected to the mainframe via LANs. This way only the mainframes are used with terminals connected to them, All PCs and workstations are eliminated from the Information management system of the company (Brown, 2009). Since the mainframes will be managed and owned by the company, there is no reliance on a vendor. Since only a few computers are used to perform multiple functions by several users the failure of one device means that a lot of computing needs are not met.

The centralization sis is also likely to undermine the company's efforts in developing a new marketing and negotiation system. This is because the marketing group was in the process of developing its front-end information system (Brown, 2009). The centralization is likely to hinder the development of the independent information system for the marketing group. The second option will involve phasing out the mainframes. Additionally, the adoption of a distributed computing environment favors the development of a front-end information system for the marketing group. The main disadvantage of the workstation computing method is that is based on UNIX environment which the MIS group has no experience in (Brown, 2009). Another problem posed by the UNIX environment that the German programs could not be ported to them.

Distributed systems also require more personnel and time to manage and control. It may also result in underutilization of computing resources since the workstation may only be able to perform limited functions. This make is a very economical option as only what is required is paid for. Finally, outsourcing allows the system to be managed by experts whose primary role is information systems management. The problem with this option is that the availability of the system depends on the vendor and not the company itself. This is because the company has little or no control over the activities and operation of the company to which the information systems are outsourced (Antonucci et al. The individuals handling the information system may not have firsthand experience in the activities of the company which may be a severe limitation.