Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
In some cases, companies wait until a large problem or opportunity occurs before a change
is made, ignoring minor problems. In contrast, some companies use a continuous improve-
ment approach to systems development. With this approach, an organization makes changes
to a system even when small problems or opportunities occur. Although continuous im-
provement can keep the system current and responsive, repeatedly designing and imple-
menting changes can be both time consuming and expensive.
A time-driven review is performed after a specified amount of time. Many application
programs are reviewed every six months to one year. With this approach, an existing system
is monitored on a schedule. If problems or opportunities are uncovered, a new systems de-
velopment cycle can be initiated. A payroll application, for example, can be reviewed once a
year to make sure that it is still operating as expected. If it is not, changes are made.
Many companies use both approaches. A billing application, for example, might be re-
viewed once a year for errors, inefficiencies, and opportunities to reduce operating costs. This
is a time-driven approach. In addition, the billing application might be redone after a cor-
porate merger, if one or more new managers require different information or reports, or if
federal laws on bill collecting and privacy change. This is an event-driven approach.
time-driven review
Review performed after a specified
amount of time.
System Performance Measurement
Systems review often involves monitoring the system, called system performance measure-
ment . The number of errors encountered, the amount of memory required, the amount of
processing or CPU time needed, and other problems should be closely observed. If a particular
system is not performing as expected, it should be modified, or a new system should be
developed or acquired.
System performance products have been developed to measure all components of the
information system, including hardware, software, database, telecommunications, and net-
work systems. IBM Tivoli OMEGAMON can monitor system performance in real time. 72
Precise Software Solutions has system performance products that provide around-the-clock
performance monitoring for ERP systems, Oracle database applications, and other pro-
grams. 73 HP also offers a software tool called Business Technology Optimization (BTO)
software to help companies analyze the performance of their computer systems, diagnose
potential problems, and take corrective action if needed. 74 When properly used, system per-
formance products can quickly and efficiently locate actual or potential problems.
Measuring a system is, in effect, the final task of systems development. The results of this
process can bring the development team back to the beginning of the development life cycle,
where the process begins again.
system performance
measurement
Monitoring the system—the number
of errors encountered, the amount
of memory required, the amount of
processing or CPU time needed, and
other problems.
system performance products
Software that measures all
components of the computer-based
information system, including
hardware, software, database,
telecommunications, and network
systems.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search