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Show Enterprise Review , March 31, 1976 Page 2b A Fable for Modem by M. M. Gaber a new computer can be a traumatic more so than experience-ev- en the decision to purchase the machine. What follows is a tale of horror and compassion-th- e period of TRANSITION. Any business person who has made that decision can sympathize with the situation. House-breakin- g A group computers, with different So the managers postponed all appointments for a week and off they went to school. they felt vaguely uncomfortable. Leaning back in their chairs they envisioned a monster barrelling through the door. It didnt speak English-- it spoke a language of its codes and beeps. How it worked was a complete mystery, bordering on magic or religion. Its potential for causing trouble clouded the group with doubt and creeping paranoia. True to their code, however, they held to their decision. After nominating a couple members to act as computer-shopperthey shoved their doubts aside and trusted in modem technology and their sense of humor to sustain them through the inevitable own-numb- ers, . s, period of TRANSITION. Gritting their teeth, the shopping committee looked up Finally they found a friendly computer salesperson who could speak English and was willing to spend time with them. They were- able to explain their companys problems and how they came to elect a computer to do the job. The salesperson seemed to understand, and, furthermore seemed to have just the right machine to do the job. Relieved, they signed the lease contract, and called a meeting. This is our new computer, they told the group. But it looks as mean as we the group resimagined, - ponded, surprised and required. the shoppers told Well send you to them, school and youll learn all about it. "School?!? they shouted. If you dont dream about Relax, The first lesson they learned is that, although the computer spoke a different language, it could understand English and .it wasnt as difficult to communicate with as Walt Disney had them believing it would be. They learned the difference between hardware (the computer machinery itself) and software (the discs and tapes that tell the machinery what to do). They learned what data processing was, and the basic concepts behind a program. They even programmed a simple job for the computer themselves. After they felt they had conquered the machine, they began to analyze it. They learned how the computer works, the difference between tapes and discs, how the system works. They no longer felt a compulsion to kneel before it and pray. They could stand proudly and say among themselves, I understand. After the initial sense of - alpha-numer- best be able to satisfy those phy? They realized the computer would force them to change the way they traditionally worked. They no longer would write things down and carry slips of paper from one desk to another. They no longer would necessarily see an imprint on paper after they touched a key. They had to develop a new sense of confidence in both themselves and their with the partner in business: the mach- ine. They realized that although the computer could under- . worried that it wouldnt be able to do the work- - they pride wore off, they began to worry again, however. How is this computer going to affect my employees and my needs. Their heads still buzzing business operation? they from the latest realization, Are we they were impressed further asked themselves. the computer going to have to train new with the capacity under incompepeople? Will we set new would have hands. They priorities? How will this affect tent or careless our management philoso- found that businesses dealing Off to School price ranges, sizes and capabilities. And, probably, the second thing they discovered was that they must know what they wanted the computer to do. But we dont know what a computer can do! they of managers confessed. decided only a computer could solve the company's problems. But, after voting on the issue, praying to this machine like its a magic genie, you must understand how it works, the shoppers told them, remembering what the salesperson had said. Computer in the yellow pages, and began making phone calls. Probably one of the first things they discovered was that there were a myriad of different kinds of nme stand English, it general public needed to safeguard their customers from possible invasion of privacy, from fire or from power failure. They went d sense home with a of responsibility and power. new-foun- After they got back to work, the managers met again and decided to train operators to use the machine. They smugly told themselves they were safe was and the decision-makin- g over. They had chosen the machine and the program they needed. really operated with a different language, and could understand only yes or no. They would have to learn to speak that language in order to use the machine at its capacity. Disaster ic Then the bomb hit. They realized the hardest job was yet ahead. They may need to define, very carefully, what the business really needed, and how the computer would . no sooner had the But, meeting been dismissed than they were informed that a new salesperson had been waiting to see them. The salesperson was selling computer software. The shoppers looked at each other in dismay and surprise, and asked the visitor what she had to say. They discovered the computer, they were leasing was able to use programs from numerious other vendors. Some vendors specialized in designing programs for their particular kind of business. Each program was different, and each vendor had different promises about the programs durability and service. So the shoppers settled down to a new round of decision-makinThey had to g. An Excelar digital watch Free with the purchase of any HON Four-drawsuspension file. er determine whether the program they had chosen was the best one, after all. Is it too complex for our operators? they asked. Does it give us access to the data we need? Is it easy to maintain and service? How. much does it cost? Each question was answered sympathetically, since they were systematic shoppers. Our business is office supplies, not jewelry. But because we want you to see our shop, well give you a fine quality Excelar digital watch with the purchase of any HON four-drawsuspension file cabinet (most are $110 to $130). These watches-- a $59 value-feat- ure hour, minute, second, day and month visuals. Not a bad little deal.. .if you need a watch. If you dont, then simply take a 20 discount. One way or the other, we want you with us. Offer is good March 15th through April 15th. er They reconvened the meeting and the managers agreed with them. Furthermore they thanked them profusely for their concern and conscientious work, and appointed two new shoppers. They had con- cluded that the decision- making job of managers who are computer-user- s is never done. Every year either the computer or the program would be updated, they guessed, and new decisions would have to be made. office things all makes "office things Suite 238, ZCMI Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 Also available at ALL MAKES TYPEWRITER-74- 1 SO. STATE They sighed and nodded sagely to each other as they adjourned. We can cope with future shock', they said, patting their frierfdly computer on the sideboard as they walked out the door. |