Towards the integration of integrated software within organizations

The widespread use of microcomputers is linked both to their low cost and to the promise of their being a major productivity tool for various levels of workers throughout an organization. This promise was largely supported by the introduction of a new generation of integrated software packages. These software packages typically stress their general purpose nature and their ease of use by the average office worker. The packages promise to do a variety of tasks, for a variety of individuals and to be able to combine the results produced by individuals for the good of the overall organization. The integration of these packages within an organization is assumed, but seldom planned for or achieved. This paper analyzes the promises, the types, and the uses of integrated software. It then identifies the problems with and proposes future directions towards better realizing of the promises of integration within organizations.