$500 Million Over Several Years Amount invested: $500 million over several years Organization: Government Original Plans: Create administrative systems for >50,000 users. System to be completely Unix-based, no other operating systems, large or small, anywhere. Users to access system from X-Windows terminals, supported by 6,000 Unix-based servers (primarily DEC). Servers sized to run 16 X-terminals each. Provide tight security controls at all levels. Build a private network. Unanticipated problems: 1) Performance much worse than could tolerate, even sending a simple e-mail message. 2) Numerous points of failure, overwhelmed by frequency and length of delays in all areas 3) System too complex to manage Project Status: System redesigned around the Windows NT operating system. NT, which is replacing Unix, is described as "the fastest growing commercial networking software on the market today." Regarding the original system requirements and its completion date, the redesign eliminated many of the original deliverables in areas of applications, security, and networking. Even with the reduced requirements, the project will be delayed 8 years.