| Abstract: |
There is a widespread belief in the business or social value of flexibility. A truly flexible business would adapt easily to changing demands and conditions, and could accommodate social and cultural diversity; and this in turn would depend (among other things) on flexible computer systems and platforms. We think we can recognize flexibility - and lack of flexibility. There are many solutions in the IT world that are promoted as flexible, or helping to deliver flexibility. There are also solutions (including legacy and COTS) that are widely criticized as inflexible. However, most claims of flexibility are based on unfounded optimism and unverifiable 'wisdom'. Discussion of flexibility seems to be riddled with vagueness and confusion. The CBDi Forum has set itself the task of creating a proper framework for understanding, planning and achieving flexibility.
This report is based on a CBDi Forum workshop on Business Flexibility, held at UK's Brunel University on June 12th, 2001.
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