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 at better integrating end users into the computing environment. These approaches attempt to realize the potential for high-end computing to perform in a trustworthy manner in problem solving of the highest order.
Partly as a result of the development of high powered desktop computer and user friendly languages, there is a trend to assign both program development and actual computing to user. Instead of centralized group completing development of appropriate application, user will develop the program.
The role of the experts is to provide users with the tools that enable them to develop their own reports and application and also to serve as a technical consultant.
The EUC Ranges section describes two types of approaches that are at different ends of a spectrum. 1. The first approach would have canned queries and reports that for the most part would be invoked with buttons and/or simple commands. 2. For the second approach, SQL administration would allow for end-user involvement at several levels including administration itself.
Between these two extremes view of EUC there are many combinations. Some of the factors contributing to the need for further EUC research are knowledge processing, pervasive computing, issues of ontology, interactive visualization
EUC might work by one type of approach that attempts to integrate the human interface into a user centered design. EUCs major goal is to allow the end user to use the expensive and the highly skilled knowledge and teaching the end user how to access it. At the same time, this approach is used when highly critical tasks are supported by computational systems.
Another approach to EUC allows end users (SMEs, domain experts) to control and even perform software engineering and development. In this case, it can be argued that this type of approach results mainly from deficiencies in computing that could be overcome with better tools and environments.
In the first type of approach of EUC, it appears easier to teach factory workers, for example, how to read dials, push buttons, pull levers, and log results than to teach them the manufacturing process and mathematical models. The current computing trend is to simulate a console with similar dials, sliders, levers, and switches, which the end user is taught to use.
Computing of this type can be labeled black box where trust will be an essential part and there is a disparate gap between the domain and the computer-support ontologies.
In the other type of EUC the end user owns the software components.
The historical view regarding end users is being eroded by the internet and wireless communication, where the traditional end user is able to actively contribute and add value to the computer system. wikis are one example where end users provide the content and free the webmaster to manage the site. Another example within the computer field is free software, where end users can engage in all aspects of software development, from feature requests, through testing and reviews, to usability, documentation, and distribution. Music, pictures, and documents are remixed and edited to satisfy personal taste and demand.
The birth of software products such as spread sheet, data sheets, database packages ,report generators, and decision support systems has made it feasible fro a moderately trained individual to develop and use complex application. This application range from spreadsheet analysis of logistical alternatives to developing a system to aid in the negotiation of rates. Not only does the end user computing decrease the time required for application development ,but it also bring the development effort closer to the end user.
End User computing allows more user input into system affairs that can range from personalization to full-fledged ownership of the system.
High performance End-User Computing (EUC) solutions are a requirement of every business today. Many organizations need to refresh and simplify their environments to bring down the cost of management, improve availability and reduce time to market.
Accenture End-User Computing Solutions deliver high performance through a more reliable, less expensive and more secure end-user computing environment
Accenture works closely with organizations to fill those gaps in experience, and to provide the methods, tools and tactics to achieve high performance through a transformed end-user computing environment: all at lower cost, and with greater business payback.
TATA consultancy services-- Increase end user productivity by standardizing multiple environments, resulting in greater stability, availability, and cost-effective operations. The end user computing services of TATA consultancy services help them to * Improved stability * Greater availability * Cost-effectiveness

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