Many companies have experienced the benefits of client-server computing in terms of improved communications, rapid application development, enhanced flexibility, and gains in overall productivity. These benefits are driving the unprecedented down-sizing movement from legacy systems to more robust client-server systems. At the same time, unrelenting LAN roll-outs are forcing companies to gain control of their network computing environment by better accounting for their costs and by doing something to reduce them.
According to a February 7, 1994 Gartner Group study, 73 percent of network ownership consists of personnel - not technology costs. Therefore, along with counting and reducing traditional hardware and software costs, companies are just as focused, if not more so, on decreasing so called soft or hidden costs.
Cost Reduction Pressure
Cost reduction pressures, along with the stress of increasing user demands, are causing Information Managers to look for ways to improve end user support, availability, and performance while reducing or holding the line on costs."
