networking, as influenced by the ever-evolving
telecommunications industry.
Chapter 4 describes issues related to managing
the data resource in today’s organizations. The
chapter focuses on data modeling and data architec-
ture, including key principles in managing data, the
role of metadata, tools for managing data, packaged
data models, and data management processes and
policies within organizations. A well-managed data
resource can be profitable for the organization and is
essential to the effective organizational use of IT, and
both IS and business managers play major roles in
managing this critical organizational resource.
Seven teaching case studies related to
managing information technology assets, written by
the textbook authors, have been grouped at the end
of Part I. The IMT Custom Machines Company case
study investigates the choice among reliance on a
large, mainframe-based computer system, moving
toward multiple high-powered UNIX workstations,
and taking a leap to “cloud computing” (the com-
puters would not be located at the IMT site) employing
the Linux operating system. Two case studies focus
on an important new Internet technology: VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol) telephony. The VoIP2.biz case
study deals with product development issues faced
by a VoIP business, and “The VoIP Adoption at
Butler University” case study describes in detail the
selection and implementation issues faced by a
midsized organization.
The “Supporting Mobile Health Clinics” case
study describes the computer and communication
needs and the problems encountered by clinicians
providing health care to medically underserved chil-
dren from recreational-vehicle-sized vans that park in
front of homeless shelters and other community
centers. In the InsuraCorp case study, managers at a
large (disguised) insurance company are wrestling
with who in the organization should have ongoing
responsibility for data quality and other data manage-
ment issues that arise after a business restructuring.
The HH Gregg case study provides a detailed look at
a critical IT platform decision for this rapidly growing
chain of appliance stores. HH Gregg must decide
among moving to one of two competing commercial
software platforms or hiring external resources to
assist in the migration of its present system to a UNIX
environment. Finally, the Midsouth Chamber of
Commerce (B) case study continues the saga begun
in Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (A) following
Chapter 1 of this book: the selection and manage-
ment of hardware and software for this organization.18 Part I • Information Technology