Performance evaluation and management of information services

Abstract

Performance evaluation techniques can contribute substantially to the successful management of the information services function. Three major purposes for performance evaluation in a typical commercially oriented computer installation are discussed including the acquisition of new hardware and software, the improvement of existing computer operations, and the improvement of the systems design process. The most suitable of the various techniques for performance evaluation are discussed for each major purpose. A proposal is also made for extending performance evaluation beyond the hardware and software system to encompass the user.