1-888-Junk-Van

The case describes the selection of an information technology (IT) product to support the operations of 1-888-Junk-Van, a small waste-collection business based in Ontario, Canada. Marcus Kingo, the business owner, had five alternatives from which to choose, namely a database upgrade, contracting out development of a new software application, using Google Docs, using an online tool framed as Platform as a Service (PaaS), or implementing a small-business enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Each option presents strengths and weaknesses, and students are left to make a decision. The case exemplifies the IT deployment challenges faced by small companies.