Justifying the cost of client/server systems
Article Abstract:
One of the most challenging responsibilities of controllers is justifying the cost of client/server systems. A majority of companies already recognize the many benefits of these systems, particularly in the area of integration, routine duties, strategic information and instant access to current figures. Unfortunately, these businesses are not prepared for the expenditures required by such systems. To help controllers in the arduous task of quantifying the benefits of client/server systems, a four-part justification model is recommended. Because several companies have already benefitted from this framework, others may consider using it as well. The four components of the model are estimation of the direct cost of the client/server infrastructure; identification of the improvement opportunities; estimation of the indirect costs of implementation, training and change management; and presentation of cost/benefit analysis for approval.
Publication Name: Management Accounting (USA)
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0025-1690
Year: 1996
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Evaluating client/server financial software
Article Abstract:
Companies find it quite difficult to select the most appropriate client/server financial software. They complain that there is one too many vendors in the market and that each one of these suppliers all claim to meet all their requirements. To ease the hardships encountered during the selection process, businesses must first create a project team that would assess and select the financial software. This team is responsible for defining the vendor critical factors and the software critical requirements, and integrating vendor and software information. Possible vendor critical factors are type of vendor, size of vendor, financial stability, sales channels and implementation services. Software critical requirements, on the other hand, are functionality, flexibility and client/server specifications. After a short list of vendors has been created, the project team must then evaluate the candidates based on certain criteria.
Publication Name: Management Accounting (USA)
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0025-1690
Year: 1995
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The "sizzle" in client/server systems
Article Abstract:
Companies that want to introduce client/server computing to their organizations should carefully evaluate vendors' products before deciding to buy a particular offering. They should develop their own standards and requirements when choosing client/server systems to avoid relying on the vendor's definition of what is needed. The best way to do this is to write them down in a software evaluation checklist and use this list in evaluating any software. This checklist should evaluate such features as graphical user interface, desktop applications, ad-hoc financial information, budgeting systems, graphic presentations of management information and user-friendly query. Other elements that should be assessed in the checklist are drill-down, workflow, financial analysis and decision-support systems. Evaluating these features is a good start in maximizing benefits from client/server computing.
Publication Name: Management Accounting (USA)
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0025-1690
Year: 1996
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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