User services requirements for distributed information technology networks

This paper is intended to promote discussion about the properties required from future distributed information systems, if they are to meet the needs of users. It is based on the authors´ experience of analysing users´ problems and requirements, of applying the kinds of services which are now available, and of assessing the impact of emerging technology. The discussion is centred on the idea of a distributed information technology network (DITN), which offers Open Systems Interconnection services to a multiplicity of users. It is assumed that future economies of scale will be so dominant that shared DITNs are bound to be created to serve groups of organisations. User requirements and related aspects in a DITN are considered under four main headings: user services requirements; network services requirements; service evolution requirements; and network management and control