Art Wittmann The Internet has changed the way we look at every aspect of IT systems and services, but no area has been turned on its ear quite like network applications. Despite the higher costs, however, e-mail and similar productivity tools are critical to business and are deployed universally today.
Customized applications are another matter.
Development times are long, and fielding the applications is complicated and expensive. Numerous enterprises, particularly midsize businesses, have therefore simply avoided these custom apps, realizing that the benefit of the application doesn't justify the cost of development and ongoing operation. Back-office packages are acquiring Web interfaces, and in the process, IT departments are gaining more flexible systems. Microsoft Corp., with Exchange 2000, and Lotus Development Corp., with Domino, are both working to Web-enable their systems and to simplify development. Microsoft takes this a step further with its Tahoe project.