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• Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 2013

  Hidden Structure: Using Network Methods to Map System Architecture

  Carliss Y. Baldwin, Alan MacCormack and John Rusnak

  In this paper, we describe an operational methodology for characterising the architecture of technical systems and demonstrate its application to a large sample of software releases. Our methodology is based upon network graphs, and allows us to identify define three fundamental architectural patterns, which we call core-periphery, multi-core, and hierarchical. We apply our methodology to a sample of 1,286 software releases from 17 applications, and find that 70 – 80% of these systems possess a "core-periphery" architecture under our classification scheme. This type of architecture is characterized by having a single dominant cyclic group (the Core) that is large relative to other cyclic groups and above a threshold with respect to system size. We find that the size of the Core varies widely, even for systems that perform the same function. These differences appear to be associated with different models of development—open, distributed organizations tend to develop systems with smaller Cores, while closed collocated organizations tend to develop systems with larger Cores. Our findings represent a first step in establishing some "stylized facts" about the fine-grained structure of large, real-world technical systems.

  Citation:

  Baldwin, Carliss Y., Alan MacCormack, and John Rusnak. "Hidden Structure: Using Network Methods to Map System Architecture." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 13–093, May 2013.

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• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2013 version)

  Microsoft Server & Tools

  Marco Iansiti and Alain Serels

  In 2011, Microsoft's Server & Tools Business (STB) was large, fast growing and highly profitable on the strength of traditional packaged product lines led by the Windows Server operating system. Even as the current packaged business was performing exceptionally well, Microsoft's leadership understood that cloud based solutions would become more prevalent in the future. As the newly appointed President of STB, Satya Nadella had to find a balance between managing the current packaged business and building the cloud offering.

  Keywords: technology; information technology; Computing; Enterprise Computing; Servers; Cloud Computing; Microsoft; Technology Evolution; technological innovation; disruptive innovation; Technological Innovation; Disruptive Innovation; Information Technology; Information Technology Industry;

  Citation:

  Iansiti, Marco, and Alain Serels. "Microsoft Server & Tools." Harvard Business School Case 613-031, April 2013. (Revised from original January 2013 version.)

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• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013

  Managing with Analytics at Procter & Gamble

  Thomas H. Davenport, Marco Iansiti and Alain Serels

  Senior management at P&G has put a strong emphasis on using data to make "better, smarter, real-time business decisions." The Global Business Services (GBS) organization has developed tools, systems and processes to provide managers throughout P&G with direct access to up-to-date data and advanced analytics. In addition, GBS has embedded analysts within the business units to work alongside leaders and managers in driving real-time information-based decision making. Equipped with the tools provided by GBS, Alan Torres, vice-president of North America Fabric Care, must finalize the forecast for P&G's laundry detergent sales. Results for the two months since introducing concentrated powder laundry detergent in select retailers saw a surprising jump in sales of over 10%, but would the trend continue as the concentrated detergents were introduced across North America?

  Keywords: analytics; Data Management; Forecasting; information technology; Shared Services; Procter ＆ Gamble; Laundry Detergent; Information Management; Forecasting and Prediction; Information Technology; Mathematical Methods; Consumer Products Industry; North America;

  Citation:

  Davenport, Thomas H., Marco Iansiti, and Alain Serels. "Managing with Analytics at Procter & Gamble." Harvard Business School Case 613-045, April 2013.

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