Accordingly, a short summary of key aspects of the current context is provided followed by a series of specific statements in sections relating to challenges, directions and recommendations. While this evolution was taking place, the process of pricing central computing services and distributing resources to acquire services did not change to reflect the distributed nature of computing. It is generally felt that this process is flawed and needs replacing. At the same time there is a continuing need to provide a set of centrally supported services for such things as data processing and communications networks. While many essential central applications rely upon timeshared mainframe computing support, there is increasing interest in seeing applications move to a more open, vendor-independent environment.
Information is a valuable resource in a university.
Over the last quarter century, many general and specific administrative applications have developed large databases. Creation, update, maintenance of and access to these data has largely been managed by Data Processing and rely on mainframe activities. However, there is increasing interest in using distributed computing and networks to increase appropriate access to corporate information in user areas. Waterloo has generally allowed users to make their own choices regarding specific computing developments, equipment, operating systems and applications. This has helped Waterloo maintain flexibility to respond to new directions and opportunities.