Computer Operations: FAA Needs to Implement an Effective Capacity ManagementProgram

摘要

The General Accounting Office's objective was to determine the effectiveness ofthe agency's approach to computer capacity management and identify how FAA can improve its practices to alleviate problems with existing systems. To accomplish its objective, GAO reviewed federal regulations and identified criteria for computer capacity management programs. Because these regulations did not provide detailed capacity management criteria, GAO used additional federal guidance to augment the regulations. To further expand upon this criteria and obtain a broader perspective on capacity management principles and practices, GAO reviewed industry publications, reports, and conference proceedings. GAO also interviewed officials, analyzed capacity management reports and studies, and identified effective capacity management practices from several private sector organizations recognized for implementing effective capacity management programs. These private concerns were selected based on review of industry publications and on recommendations from industry experts. On the basis of the criteria GAO identified, synthesized and assessed FAA'S capacity management practices. Seven systems were selected for review, covering both air traffic control and general-purpose systems, on the basis of previous reports citing computer capacity management problems. In reviewing these systems, GAO analyzed agency and contractor capacity plans, studies, reports, and written guidance describing existing and planned capacity management practices. FAA officials were interviewed to determine existing capacity management practices and compliance with federal guidance and accepted computer capacity management practices.