This paper conducts an empirical analysis of information systems budge
t data focusing on the implications for the efficient production of in
formation services. We use a model of the production of information se
rvices based on the economic theory of production to develop testable
hypotheses for budget behavior. In particular, we focus on two importa
nt issues: (1) the allocation of the information systems budget to its
two largest components-personnel and hardware, and (2) the existence
of scale economies in the provision of information services. These iss
ues are examined using budget data collected through a survey of infor
mation systems managers in Fortune 500 corporations. We find that the
optimal ratio of personnel to hardware expenditures is independent of
the scale of the information systems organization for a given set of p
rices, and that there are no measurable economies of scale in the prov
ision of information services. The implications of the analysis for th
e management of information services are discussed.