Telecommunications issues: the information systems managers’ viewpoint

Reports the results of a survey of information systems managers with respect of the importance of telecommunications issues and the quality of their telecommunications training. The response of the information systems managers identified four factors: standard or clerical applications (e‐mail and voice mail); advanced or emerging applications (conducting business on the Internet); technical issues (telecommunications terminology and equipment capability); and managerial issues (the use of telecommunications to gain a competitive advantage). The information systems managers rated managerial issues as more important than technical issues, thus reflecting a shift to the strategic issues of telecommunications. While the information systems managers rated training on standard applications the highest, they expressed clear dissatisfaction in all areas of their telecommunications training. Surprisingly, it was in the managerial area of telecommunication that the IS managers expressed their greatest desire for additional training. All too often technology rules the business. It is now time to revert to the core organizational emphasis and use technology to manage the business efficiently.