ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the business and technology issues that must be considered when preparing a strategic business plan. The data center serves as the focal point of merging technologies. The data center environment has changed even more dramatically with the introduction of local area networks, telecommunications, relational databases, and microcomputers. Businesses become successful because they set and reach goals. Goals provide direction, help identify obstacles and opportunities, and allow for the efficient allocation of available resources. The data center must follow this same goal-setting process for its own operations. A profit center, however, recognizes revenue for its services, as well as expenses, and attempts to show a profit. A data center manager can take one of three approaches to accomplish this goal. Some organizations are selecting outsourcing as an option for their MIS operations. Under this arrangement, the organization signs a contract with a third-party vendor to take over responsibility for running the MIS operation.
