Evans Group Technology carried out research in 1996 amongst computer system buyers in the United States, UK and Europe. When asked about the benefits of open systems, the key issues of compatibility, flexibility and cost emerged. The table below shows the percentage of respondents ranking the following as very important benefits of open systems. Compatibility,portability and interoperability are central.
Open systems allow users to communicate and share data across different platforms.
Thus, one of the most fundamental benefits is the ability to select the products that best meet functional requirements from a variety of suppliers. By enabling organisations to accept bids from a range of vendors, an open systems strategy allows procurement professionals to evaluate suppliers on a wide range of criteria. With the issue of system compatibility largely eliminated, other issues such as functionality, price, support and service can then be given due weight. All rights reserved.