Capacity planning, benchmarking and evaluation of small computer systems

A decision framework for implementing small computer systems with particular emphasis on business is presented. The analysis presented here is applicable to systems involving a few microcomputers, but the time required of decision makers is especially justifiable in the case of acquisition problems involving a large number of units. Such problems are typical to large organizations where the intensive deployment of standard microcomputers has to be a carefully planned process. The decision framework integrates relevant decision elements in a hierarchical model that permits their systematic analysis. This analysis is concerned with capacity determination and prioritizing all decision elements in both cost and benefits categories. The prioroty structure permits direct evaluation of proposed systems with respect to users' needs and criteria. The decision process described here has been put to use in a few real acquisition problems.