Public Agencies’ Computer Failures

* For many years I’ve read about the costly computer system failures in both business and government (“High-Tech Titanics,” editorial, Sept. 11), and it occurs to me that one problem you didn’t mention is scale. My children attend a small, independent school where the “information systems department” consists of Mrs. Garvey and a couple of personal computers using off-the-shelf software. I doubt she has ever experienced a $411-million cost overrun. A tiny fraction of those massive systems budgets could fund scores of efficient Mrs. Garveys for years.

It seems to me that big solutions just lead to big problems.

GLENN SCOTT

Westchester

* Your editorial laments the fact “taxpayers are footing huge bills for computer systems that sink, even though these fiscal disasters can be avoided.” Unfortunately, your recommendation that a solution requires more diligence by public agencies treats only the symptoms rather than the disease.

Public agencies experience fiscal mismanagement because they have no competition comparable to businesses in the private sector. Practices that would bankrupt a company do not bankrupt public agencies, which are able to continue their existence in spite of poor performance. While many public agencies are necessary in today’s society, many others are not. A better recommendation is the Libertarian one, which calls for reduction in the number of services provided by the government.

STAN WARFORD

Malibu