Additional confusion exists over total cost versus marginal cost for services given multiplicity of pricing models for network electronics. Confusion over announced changes to high-speed modem pool is but another example. This ambiguity is especially significant given that there is decentralized control over local workgroup servers which are managed by professional staff throughout the University. This distribution of staff creates desires for local control of networks as well. Technologies involved are complicated, as are the standards.
Technologies also tend to be less mature, more volatile, and changing more rapidly.
Impact of mistakes can extend well beyond the local domain or area How to optimize cost is not always self-evident. Also, optimizing for the enterprise as a whole may not be optimal for the individual units. Unlike the management of telephony, data communications services are not provided by a monopoly organization. The University has not made sufficient initial investments in campus wiring and technology support. Many buildings are shared by department and centers from different schools or areas.