Understanding distributed data processing

Abstract

Declining hardware costs, increasing self-confidence of users, and developing technologies have provided compelling reasons in the minds of many managers to bring distributed data processing (DDP) into their organizations. Rather than let it spread almost randomly, managers who recognize the strengths as well as the pitfalls of DDP are seeking to establish coherent policies and procedures. DDP, defined in terms of responsibilities for managing all phases of information processing, is put in a framework companies can use to evaluate alternatives and to develop a DDP strategy that both matches their organizational structure and enables their business plan. 8 references.