A comparison of perceptions about information center success

Information centers (ICs) are a popular way for firms to facilitate and coordinate end-user computing. A continuing role for ICs in organizations depends on how successfully they meet their goals. This paper explores perceptions of IC success held by IC managers and MIS executives. Data was collected using a mail survey and then analyzed to produce both specific item scores and aggregate measures for realized success, major problems, and critical success factors. Comparisons were done to determine if MIS executives viewed IC success in the same way as IC managers. The results suggest that while some differences exist, on the whole there is agreement about what an IC must do to be successful.