Local Area Network Management

Abstract

Local area networks (LAN) are by definition organization-internal communication networks. Thus they are typically used, built and maintained internally. However, even this area of IT can not escape the effects of external networking. Local area network managers can draw benefits from product and service offerings from markets and electronic commerce. This article builds a taxonomy of local area management tasks, and discusses which of these can and should be outsourced to electronic markets, and which should be kept in-house. Our focus is on eSupport, also here on the delivery of local area management services through the Internet. eSupport is an important incredient in the e-applications of the Internet. The article rests on a research project of LAN management practices in ten organizations.