The evolution of information centers: a stage hypothesis

Abstract
Information centers (IC) have undergone numerous changes since they were first created to facilitate and control end-use computing. Today, ICs have evolved to play a significant role in an organization's computing activities. As such, the function and management of ICs are of major concern to information systems (IS) executives. The evolving nature of the IC, however, constrains these IS executives in their decisions regarding the role and future directions for ICs. This study proposed a stage hypothesis for information center evolution. Key benchmark variables were identified and the behavior of these variables over time were used to arrive at the stage hypotheses. A survey of IC managers was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed hypothesis and is to determine the current status of ICs in organizations. The results provided strong support for the hypothesis. Knowledge of how key benchmark variables behave during the evolution of ICs is invaluable to IS executives in their efforts to provide direction for ICs in their organizations.