The changing data processing environment in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The rapid growth in microcomputer sales has affected data processing in many ways and in many countries. In order to study the effects of this growth in a Third World environment, a survey of 200 organizations was conducted. Three major user segments were identified: non-users, microcomputer users, and mainframe users. It was found that during the period 1982–1984 an important change occurred, in that the number of organizations using microcomputers surpassed those using mainframe computers. Companies using microcomputers were found to be smaller, younger, and more likely to be in the trade/service sector. The majority of companies in this user segment lacked a formal data processing department. They generally did not employ computer professionals and depended on ready-made rather than in-house development of software. There were no differences in the overall portfolio of applications of the two user segments, though the number of applications was fewer among micro users. This paper discusses the growing use of microcomputers in the small business sector and the implications of these results for educators, equipment vendors, and researchers.