USING GROUP TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN OF LIGHTS OUT COMPUTING SYSTEMS - A CASE-STUDY

In an effort to reduce costs and improve the quality and efficiency of data center operations, many organizations are pursuing ''lights out'' computing: automated input, processing, and output of information flowing through the data center. Transition to the lights out environment involves the management of emerging operating system, communications, expert systems, and robotics technologies. Available technologies have to be brought together, integrated, and customized to meet the specific needs of the organization. In addition, the organization must manage the transition of data center personnel to the lights out environment. This study explores the viability of applying total quality management (TQM) and group decision support system (GDSS) technologies to the complex process of implementing lights out systems. We examine the experiences of one large, multinational firm that is using these technologies. In the firm's central U.S. data center, a TQM team was designated to oversee the transition to lights out operations. The team used a GDSS in weekly face-to-face meetings over a fifteen month period. This paper describes the experiences of the team over that time period. Our analysis reveals the complexities involved in achieving lights out computing and demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of using TQM principles and GDSS technology to facilitate the change to lights out systems.