End User Services

End-User Computing

      End-user computing (EUC) refers to computer systems and platforms that are meant to allow non-programmers to create working computer applications. It is a compilation of approaches meant to better involve and integrate end users and other non-programmers into the world of computing systems development. EUC is broad and may encompass different meanings that are more or less related, but has the overarching context of allowing end users to better control their computing environment without the aid of real programmers or developers, such as an accountant using Microsoft Excel to automate his/her tasks.

      End-user computing encompasses all uses of computers by non-developers, in short the end users that the programmers develop for. With this broad definition, all computing being done that is not related to development can be considered as EUC.

There are basically three types of EUC:

• Traditional EUC, where the end user simply uses applications and computer systems developed by developers for them to help in their work.
• End-user control, where package applications and hardware are purchased for the user’s department.
• End-user development, where the user is given a set of tools that allow him/her to customize and even create applications that can be used for his/her own work, department, organization or even as a product.