In what decade did companies begin to decentralize IT resources and assign them to smaller business units?

During the 1980s, organizations experienced significant changes in their approach to information technology. This era saw the rise of personal computing, which led to a shift from centralized mainframe systems to decentralized IT structures. Companies began recognizing the value of empowering individual business units with their own IT resources.

This decentralization allowed departments within larger organizations to take control of their technology needs, making it easier to respond to specific business requirements and enhancing productivity. As personal computers became more affordable and user-friendly, business units could manage their own information systems without relying solely on a central IT department.

The trend also reflected a broader movement toward increased agility and responsiveness to market demands, enabling companies to innovate and adapt more quickly. By decentralizing IT resources, businesses aimed to improve efficiency and align technology strategies more closely with specific operational goals. Thus, the 1980s stand out as the decade when this significant shift took place in corporate IT strategy.