In addition to its widespread decentralization effort, the University has attempted to remain just behind the cutting edge of information technology.
"The report was very good because it expressed the history of an approach and a philosophy of serving students and faculty first, [and of] being a little bit behind the curve so we can take advantage of other people's advances," Maull says.
For example, Harvard can take advantage of having other universities experiment with the technologies first, rather than being on the cutting edge and possibly making mistakes.
The University has retreated from its position at the cutting edge in the late 80s.
The IT report says some of the wiring of the Yard prior to 1988 will likely have to be redone as network demand increases, because the old wiring can't support the higher speeds that the demand necessitates.
Had Harvard not taken the initiative, it might not have to replace the old wiring, at a cost estimated in the hundreds of thousands.
But some warn that trying to stay behind the cutting edge can be dangerous for the future.
"You've got to be very, very careful with objections to why you don't want to be on the cutting edge," says Professor of Business Administration Richard L. Nolan. "In a blink of an eye, you can find yourself someplace you don't want to be."