Microcomputers and Local Government: New Economics and New Opportunities

The decreasing cost and increasing power of microcomputers will affect the way local governments operate. Officials must rethink traditional, centralized approaches to data processing (DP). The lower cost of micros makes them personal resources that can improve productivity and creativity. Decisions on micro applications can be left largely to individual employees. Formal approval of personal computer (PC) applications can stifle some of the creativity generated by micro use. Employee training in computer use should also be improved and should promote understanding of application programs and hardware. Software selection is the major key to improved productivity. Many applications programs are available, including word processing, database management, and financial spreadsheet programs. A by-product of the computer's evolution is the trend of DP departments toward playing an advisory role and helping users generate their own products.