Mainframe computers once dominated information technology, but have slipped into the shadow of other technologies such as client/server systems.

Every so often there seems to be a spate of articles reporting the final death of the mainframe. But just as often there seems to be another burst of articles reporting the resurgence of the mainframe.

Research the topic of trends in mainframe computing in your school library, on the Internet, and/or with some experienced IT managers.

a. Describe your research sources and their positions.

b. Were you able to fi nd “hard” information, such as the number of sales per year of mainframes?

c. Did you find any differences in the usage of mainframe computers between the public and private sectors? Describe.

d. On the basis of the information you found, what conclusions would you draw about the state of mainframe computing today?

e. What about 10 years from now? What role, if any, do you think that mainframe computing will play in the public and private sectors? Support your answer.