Data definition and usage standards are essential to consistent and accurate data reporting and analysis. Data definition standards often encompass standard values for a data field, in addition to a standard definition for that piece of information. In this arena, a significant amount of work remains to be completed to facilitate data sharing. Support costs are a very significant portion of the cost of ownership in information technology. A well-defined set of standards can provide the needed level of flexibility while, at the same time, providing for reduced support costs and economies of scale.
Standards are essential in ensuring that systems can communicate.
Standards such as network protocols and interfaces between applications allow systems on a variety of hardware and even operating systems platforms to share information. A significant portion of the five-year cost of ownership of a desktop computer is related to support costs. Setting standards for desktop configuration, software, network connections, and backup procedures can minimize these costs. Training costs can be reduced substantially by standardizing on certain applications that will have widespread utilization. South Carolina desires a set of standards that provides some level of flexibility while at the same time ensuring compatibility across the enterprise.