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End-user computing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

End-user computing(EUC) refers to systems in which non-programmers can create workingapplications.[1]EUC is a group of approaches to computing that aim to better integrateend usersinto the computing environment. These approaches attempt to realize the potential for high-end computing to perform problem-solving in a trustworthy manner.[2][3]

End-user computing can range in complexity from users simply clicking a series of buttons, to citizen developers[4]writing scripts in a controlledscripting language,to being able to modify and execute code directly.

Examples of end-user computing are systems built usingfourth-generation programming languages,such asMAPPERorSQL,or one of thefifth-generation programming languages,such asICAD.

Factors[edit]

Factors contributing to the need for further EUC research includeknowledgeprocessing,pervasive computing,issues ofontology,interactive visualization,and the like.

Some of the issues related to end-user computing concernsoftware architecture(iconicversus language interfaces, open versus closed,[clarification needed]and others). Other issues relate tointellectual property,configuration and maintenance. End-user computing allows more user-input into system affairs that can range frompersonalizationto full-fledged ownership of a system.

EUC strategy[edit]

EUC applications should not be evolved by accident, but there should be a defined EUC strategy.[citation needed]AnyApplication ArchitectureStrategy / IT Strategy should consider the white spaces in automation (enterprise functionality not automated byERP/Enterprise Grade Applications). These are the potential areas where EUC can play a major role.[citation needed]Then ASSIMPLER parameters[which?]should be applied[by whom?]to these white spaces to develop the EUC strategy. (ASSIMPLER stands for availability, scalability, security, interoperability, maintainability, performance, lowcost of ownership,extendibility and reliability.[5])

In businesses, an end-user concept gives workers more flexibility, as well as more opportunities for better productivity and creativity. However, EUC will work only when leveraged correctly. That’s why it requires a full-fledged strategy. Any strategy should include all the tools users might need to carry out their tasks and work more productively.

Types of EUC

End-user computing covers a broad range of user-facing resources, including:

  • desktop and notebook computers;
  • desktop operating systems and applications;
  • scripting languages such as robotic desktop automation or RDA;
  • smartphones and wearables;
  • mobile, web and cloud applications;
  • virtual desktops and applications[6]

EUC risk drivers[edit]

Business owners should understand that every user-controlled app needs to be monitored and supervised. Otherwise, organization risk facing a lot of problems and losses if end-users don’t follow company policy or leave their job. In functions such as finance, accounting and regulated activities, unmanaged EUC may expose the organization to regulatory compliance issues and fines.

End-user computing operating and business risks may be driven by:

  • lack of rigorous testing;
  • lack of version & change control;
  • lack of documentation and reliance on end-user who developed it;
  • lack of maintenance processes;
  • lack of security;
  • lack of audit trail;
  • overreliance on manual controls.

EUC risk management software[edit]

Many companies elect to leverage software to manage their EUC risks. Software can provide many benefits to organizations, including:

  • automation of risk management activities;
  • reduction in manual effort required for manual controls;
  • version controls for EUC applications;
  • change controls for EUC applications.

Examples of EUC risk software include:

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Goodall, Howie (March 1997)."End-user computing".CHI EA '97 CHI '97 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems.ACM CHI 97 Human Factors in Computing Systems Conference. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States of America:Association for Computing Machinery.p. 132.ISBN0-89791-926-2.Retrieved30 December2015.
  2. ^McBride, Neil, "Towards User-Oriented control of End-User Computing in Large Organizations"
  3. ^Mahmood, Adam,Advances in End User Computing SeriesArchived2007-01-29 at theWayback MachineUniversity of Texas, USA,ISSN1537-9310
  4. ^"Definition of Citizen Developer - Gartner Information Technology Glossary".
  5. ^ Compare:Vanarse, Mandar."Business Value Assurance during the transformation journey"(PDF).Wipro.Wipro Limited.Retrieved26 July2015.How should the business services be designed in terms of availability, security, scalability, interoperability, maintenance, performance, lower cost, extendibility and reliability (ASSIMPLER) from end consumer perspective?
  6. ^"What is end-user computing (EUC)? - Definition from WhatIs".SearchMobileComputing.Retrieved2019-12-04.
  7. ^"End-user computing risk management solution of the year: Apparity".InsuranceERM.Retrieved2 May2023.

External links[edit]

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