The anatomy of a supplier

There is a great variety of IT suppliers. Some provide hardware only, such as servers or printers. Some concentrate on specific applications such as ERP, quality systems or health systems. Others provide services whether, networking, help desk, or desktop. Some outsources will take over the entire IT services of an organisation. For example, IBM provide all IT services to University Hospital Leicester. Additionally, many act as remote suppliers of services, providing cloud or software as a service.

Tasks

Question 1. Classifying IT suppliers: Identify the range of different IT suppliers in the IT industry. A skim through a recent copy of Computer Weekly will help in this. Create a classification of types of IT suppliers. What dimensions or characteristics will you use? Explore a range of examples of supplies of IT, right from networks, through IT services suppliers to large outsourcers. Size and range of services will probably be a characteristic.

Question 2. Anatomy of a supplier. Present a portrait of Hewlett Packard. Consider history and evolution to current state. Problems and difficulties (including buying of Autonomy!). Research and development, range of services they offer. How they relate to customers. Evolution from hardware builder and suppler to IT service company. Examples of customers and case study. Future of Hewlett Packard