End-user computing (EUC) refers to systems in which non-programmers can create working
applications.
EUC is a group of approaches to computing that aim to better integrate
end users
In product development, an end user (sometimes end-user) is a person who ultimately uses or is intended to ultimately use a product. The end user stands in contrast to users who support or maintain the product, such as sysops, system administrato ...
into the computing environment. These approaches attempt to realize the potential for high-end computing to perform problem-solving in a trustworthy manner.
End-user computing can range in complexity from users simply clicking a series of buttons, to citizen developers writing scripts in a controlled
scripting language
A scripting language or script language is a programming language that is used to manipulate, customize, and automate the facilities of an existing system. Scripting languages are usually interpreted at runtime rather than compiled.
A scripti ...
, to being able to modify and execute code directly.
Examples of end-user computing are systems built using
fourth-generation programming language
A fourth-generation programming language (4GL) is any computer programming language that belongs to a class of languages envisioned as an advancement upon third-generation programming languages (3GL). Each of the programming language generations ...
s, such as
MAPPER
MAPPER, now known as BIS, is a fourth-generation programming language from
Sperry Univac. Mapper originated in the 1970s based on some work in the 1960s, but has been kept current. It was renamed and also given an extension named ICE - Internet ...
or
SQL, or one of the
fifth-generation programming language
A fifth-generation programming language (5GL) is any programming language based on problem-solving using constraints given to the program, rather than using an algorithm written by a programmer. Most constraint-based and logic programming langu ...
s, such as
ICAD.
Factors
Factors contributing to the need for further EUC research include
knowledge
Knowledge can be defined as awareness of facts or as practical skills, and may also refer to familiarity with objects or situations. Knowledge of facts, also called propositional knowledge, is often defined as true belief that is disti ...
processing,
pervasive computing
Ubiquitous computing (or "ubicomp") is a concept in software engineering, hardware engineering and computer science where computing is made to appear anytime and everywhere. In contrast to desktop computing, ubiquitous computing can occur using ...
, issues of
ontology
In metaphysics, ontology is the philosophical study of being, as well as related concepts such as existence, becoming, and reality.
Ontology addresses questions like how entities are grouped into categories and which of these entities ...
,
interactive visualization
Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and c ...
, and the like.
Some of the issues related to end-user computing concern
software architecture
Software architecture is the fundamental structure of a software system and the discipline of creating such structures and systems. Each structure comprises software elements, relations among them, and properties of both elements and relations.
...
(
iconic versus language interfaces, open versus closed, and others). Other issues relate to
intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect. There are many types of intellectual property, and some countries recognize more than others. The best-known types are patents, cop ...
, configuration and maintenance. End-user computing allows more user-input into system affairs that can range from
personalization
Personalization (broadly known as customization) consists of tailoring a service or a product to accommodate specific individuals, sometimes tied to groups or segments of individuals. A wide variety of organizations use personalization to improv ...
to full-fledged ownership of a system.
EUC strategy
EUC applications should not be evolved by accident, but there should be a defined EUC strategy. Any
Application Architecture
In information systems, applications architecture or application architecture is one of several architecture domains that form the pillars of an enterprise architecture (EA).
An applications architecture describes the behavior of applications u ...
Strategy / IT Strategy should consider the white spaces in automation (enterprise functionality not automated by
ERP /
Enterprise Grade Applications
Enterprise (or the archaic spelling Enterprize) may refer to:
Business and economics
Brands and enterprises
* Enterprise GP Holdings, an energy holding company
* Enterprise plc, a UK civil engineering and maintenance company
* Enterprise ...
). These are the potential areas where EUC can play a major role. Then ASSIMPLER parameters should be applied to these white spaces to develop the EUC strategy. (ASSIMPLER stands for availability, scalability, security, interoperability, maintainability, performance, low
cost of ownership
Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a financial estimate intended to help buyers and owners determine the direct and indirect costs of a product or service. It is a management accounting concept that can be used in full cost accounting or even ecolog ...
, extendibility and reliability.)
In businesses, an end-user concept gives workers more flexibility, as well as more opportunities for better productivity and creativity. However, EUC will work only when leveraged correctly. That’s why it requires a full-fledged strategy. Any strategy should include all the tools users might need to carry out their tasks and work more productively.
Types of EUC
End-user computing covers a broad range of user-facing resources, including:
* desktop and notebook computers;
* desktop operating systems and applications;
* scripting languages such as robotic desktop automation or RDA;
* smartphones and wearables;
* mobile, web and cloud applications;
* virtual desktops and applications
EUC risk drivers
Business owners should understand that every user-controlled app needs to be monitored and supervised. Otherwise, organization risk facing a lot of problems and losses if end-users don’t follow company policy or leave their job. In functions such as finance, accounting and regulated activities, unmanaged EUC may expose the organization to regulatory compliance issues and fines.
End-user computing operating and business risks may be driven by:
* lack of rigorous testing;
* lack of version & change control;
* lack of documentation and reliance on end-user who developed it;
* lack of maintenance processes;
* lack of security;
* lack of audit trail.
See also
*
Decentralized computing
Decentralized computing is the allocation of resources, both hardware and software, to each individual workstation, or office location. In contrast, centralized computing exists when the majority of functions are carried out, or obtained from a ...
*
Defensive computing
*
End-user development
End-user development (EUD) or end-user programming (EUP) refers to activities and tools that allow end-users – people who are not professional software developers – to program computers. People who are not professional developers can use EUD ...
* ''
Journal of Organizational and End User Computing''
*
Knowledge-based engineering
Knowledge-based engineering (KBE) is the application of knowledge-based systems technology to the domain of manufacturing design and production. The design process is inherently a knowledge-intensive activity, so a great deal of the emphasis for ...
*
Situational application
In computing, a situational application is "good enough" software created for a narrow group of users with a unique set of needs. The application typically (but not always) has a short life span, and is often created within the group where it is us ...
*
Software engineering
Software engineering is a systematic engineering approach to software development.
A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to design, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software. The term ' ...
*
Usability
Usability can be described as the capacity of a system to provide a condition for its users to perform the tasks safely, effectively, and efficiently while enjoying the experience. In software engineering, usability is the degree to which a sof ...
*
Usability engineering
Usability engineering is a field that is concerned generally with human–computer interaction and specifically with devising human–computer interfaces that have high usability or user friendliness. It provides structured methods for achieving ...
*
User interface
In the industrial design field of human–computer interaction, a user interface (UI) is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur. The goal of this interaction is to allow effective operation and control of the machine f ...
*
User-centered design
User-centered design (UCD) or user-driven development (UDD) is a framework of process (not restricted to interfaces or technologies) in which usability goals, user characteristics, environment, tasks and workflow of a product, service or proc ...
References
{{Reflist
External links
EUSES Consortium, a collaboration that researches end-user computing.Relationship Between Leadership and EUC Efficiency
Human–computer interaction