fferent networks can be implemented in a single company without regard to interconnectivity, Rao could have given an example of a company where that was a problem. Quoting a manager from such a company explaining what the problems were (overtime for staff members, lost data during conversions or similar examples) would have driven home the point that legacy systems left unattended can be costly to companies. Instead, the only quote in the article is from a consulting company representative who confirms that networks can be set up poorly.
Rao also could have been more specific about software that can overcome legacy problems; although Lotus Notes is identified as being able to replicate data accurately, no other specific products are mentioned which might offer hope to managers of legacy systems.
As an introduction to the problems of legacy machines, this is a good article. However, readers who are interested in more concrete help in this area will have to look to other sources for assistance.
Rao, S. S. (1995, December 5). Unwanted legacy. Financial World, p. 71.
Office automation once meant copiers, fax machines and telephones; today, automation often includes computers connected to the Internet and World Wide Web, and companies are learning an entirely new vocabulary with regard to their office equipment. Even small companies are now taking advantage of finding customers through on-line services and on the Internet, and some service providers now offer directories through which customers "surfing" the Net can file electronic forms to provide companies with sales leads or orders. The number of Internet users is expected to increase from 25 million in 1995 to 200 million by the year 2000, which represents a significant market for those companies willing to reach out to these individuals (LaFemina, 1995, p. 21). Despite these advances in telecommunications, a number of small businesses continue to rely not on sophist...