The Computer Service Bureau: What Role Today�

by Michael P. Ingardia, (M.ASCE), Sales Mgr., Engrg.; McDonnell Douglas Automation Co., New York, N.Y.,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1979, Vol. 49, Issue 4, Pg. 76-79


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Given the fact that minicomputers are finding their way into more and more engineering offices today, it is timely to ask: does the computer service bureau still have a role to play? This proponent of service bureaus feels they are here to stay. One reason is that many engineering firms see themselves as primarily in the business of engineering�� not as computer experts. They feel it's more prudent to leave it up to the service bureaus to keep up with the latest hardware and to generate the latest and more refined applications programs. And despite the growth of the minis, there will often be projects that are simply too big to handle on such in-house minis. To sum up the reasons for continued use of service bureaus: (1)Access to sophisticated, proven software; (2)cost effectiveness of selected projects; and (3)security of data processing projects.

Subject Headings: Project management | Computing in civil engineering | Engineering firms | Computer software

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