Chapter 4 Hardware, Software and Mobile devices

Chapter 4: Hardware, Software and Mobile Systems

This chapter discusses basic hardware terms, software concepts, open source software development and how innovated hardware made an impact on businesses.  The chapter will also talk about native and web applications which included mobile systems and what challenges it brings.

Q4-1 What Do Business Professional Need to Know About Computer Hardware?

Computer hardware is being integrated in so many devices these days, the concept as computer hardware is evolving. Computer hardware are electronic components in various devices. These devices are allowed to communicate with other devices through different channels of networks. Software programs encodes certain instructions to store data and memory on computer hardware.

Hardware Components: In order for computer hardware to work, it needs hardware components such as a CPU. The brain of a computer is the central processing unit. This intelligent electronic brain instructs the operation of the computer to perform arithmetic and logical comparisons. Dual processor and Quad processor are types of CPUs that computers have. Both the CPU and Main Memory work simultaneously as one reads the data and the other stores the data. Ram is main memory which in computers is called store hardware.

Types of Hardware: The basic hardware types are computing devices such as personal computers, tablets, smartphones, servers and server farms. Servers purpose is to process request from PCS and PC users. When there is a collection of servers, its typical called a server farm. The infrastructure of these servers can provide and create a cloud.

Computer Data: Bits are used in computers which is represented by binary digits. Bits are typically either a zero or one since its easier read. These numbers represent a move or a function that the computer is trying achieve.

Computer Data Sizes: Bits are then grouped into 8-bit chunks called bytes. Bytes typically represent main memory, disk and computer devices. Data storage capacity use these bytes such as kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte, petabyte, Exabyte and zettabyte. Computer disk capacities are used to store a specific amount of data that is either volatile or nonvolatile.

Q4-2 How Can New Hardware Affect Competitive Strategies?

There are three new hardware developments that have affect competitive strategies, such as internet of things, self-driving cars and 3D Printing. Both new and current organizations think these new innovations generate opportunities, revenue and threats.

Internet of Things: The idea of object’s being connected to the internet and interface with other devices, applications or services. For instance, smart devices are now wired to process, sense and transmit data. Now we are moving towards an age of Augmented reality, which combines the real world and virtual reality together. This new innovation will disrupt the market. The impact of the internet of things for example: GE focused on smart devices which allowed them reduce waste, increase efficiency and made better decision making. This transferred to make an impact in hospitals, railroads and manufacturing plants from using smart devices.

Self-Driving Cars: Another disruptive force which uses sensors to drive the car itself and integrates advance hardware and software programs. These self-driving cars will make things easier, cheaper and safer. The cars will be able to move and drive all around, allowing humans to be more productive and save time during the day. This new innovation will disrupt the auto industries.

3D Printing: These printers create plastics, metals, ceramics, foods and biological material. 3D printing is able to provide certain opportunities for aerospace, defense, automotive, entertainment and healthcare industries.

Q4-3 What do Business Professional Need to Know About Software?

You need to know every computer needs an operating system, a program which controls a computer resources. The functions of an operating system are to read and write data, allocate memory and creates/manages the user interface. Both client and server computers need an operating system so it can process app programs. Clients are programs and applications which controls and processes on a computer.  In the end, the application design determines if the client or server should process it.  It’s require to know a version of an operating system is directly correlated with specific hardware. Native applications also called thick-client applications are particularly written to be use by an operating system. For instance, Microsoft word is a program that can work on both Windows and MAC systems however 1 program cannot work for both systems but needs to be purchase separately for each system.  Web applications known as a thin-client application are programmed to run on computer browsers from any type of computer.

What are the Major Operating Systems? Microsoft windows is an example of a nonmobile client operating system. There’re different mobile client operating systems, for example: IOS operates IPhones and Android or Windows 10 operates most mobile phones. There are three types of server operating systems: Windows servers and IBM servers which includes Linux and Unix.

Virtualization: Is a process when many computers appear on one server, an operating system dedicated to run multiple operating systems as applications. These host operating systems control the virtual machines activities and interfering with each other. PC virtualization will host several different operating systems on a personal computer. Server virtualization acts as a server to host multiple server computers. However, the potential of desktop virtualization allows a server host different versions of desktop operating systems.

Own Versus License: Licenses give you the right to use the program, such as when you buy a Windows license. However, large organizations purchase a site license which is a flat fee to install a software product on all company computers.

What Types of Application Exist and How Do Organizations Obtain Them? There are three types of applications and can be develop by any individual or hire a development vendor. Horizontal-market applications are examples of word processors, which is a software that’s provided common capabilities across the organization. Vertical-Market application is a software that uses programs to serve the need for a specific industry. Lastly, one-of-a-kind application is software made for a specific reason or a unique task. In addition, software source can be found off-the shelf, off-the-shelf and then customized and custom-developed.

What is Firmware? It’s a computer software installed on read-only memory devices because it becomes part of the device memory. IS professionals can change, upgrade or adapt firmware software.

Q4-4 Is Open Source Software a Viable Alternative?

After Richard Mathew Stallman develop the GNU and the GNU general public license agreement, it provided a great source for the open source movement.

Why Do Programmers Volunteer Their Services? Programmers engaged in an intense combination of art and logic when creating a complicated computer program. Programmers are sometimes allowed to exercise creativity on projects their interested in. Programmers can freely choose a project they want to work on and have a chance to practice their skills. Some programmers even have the chance to create their own business or intellectual property.

How Does Open Source Work?  Source code is a number code in a computer that was written by humans and understand by humans. Open Source means the program of the source code is available to the public. The source code is processed and compiled by a computer through the machine code. A closed source code is a restrictive code that is use and available for organizations and their employees. Open source can be viable depending on the requirements and constraints of the situation. However, even though open software may be free, it’s still possible be charged for operational cost or licensing fee.

Q4-5 What Are the Differences Between Native and Web Applications? The difference between Native and Web applications is Native runs on just one operating system. Web applications run in browsers which handles both the operating system and hardware through a hidden code. Native applications can only run on the operating system it was program too and the cost running these applications in house is high. Native applications are typically dealing with Java, IOS, Android and Windows. Web applications are usually easy to build by low entry level technicians. However, web applications are limited by web browser capabilities but these applications can run on any operating system.  Web applications are cheaper to develop but depending on your requirements Native may be just as viable.

Q4-6 Why Ae Mobile Systems Increasingly Important?

Well mobile systems are an information system which supports users in motion and can be anywhere to access the system. The major elements are users in motion, mobile devices, wireless connectivity and cloud-based resource. These mobile devices are small, lightweight, power conserving and is capable to connecting to WiFi. The impact of mobile devices is changing the technological industry and creating opportunities for both businesses and career wise. Hardware will be sold to create more mobile devices and use software to compact more interface. Mobile devices will generate data and is convenient to use anywhere on the go. Mobile systems are providing a just-in-time data which allows user to receive information at a precise time when needed.

Q4-7 What Are the Challenges of Personal Mobile Devices at Work?

Businesses now face the challenge of having their own employees on their mobile device and having to figure out a solution to balance the bridge. Organizations enjoy the low cost saving of having their own employees purchase the hardware. However, scared that the company will be vulnerable and lose some type of control. The advantage is employees now feel more satisfy using their own devices so creating higher productivity and it will reduce the cost of training. The disadvantage is the chance of losing data, risk of infection or losing control over employees using their device. Then the organization can’t update any software that is required or upload any application because it’s their own personal device.

Q4-8 2026?

In 2026, our world will see our people always on their device, always connected and communicating. The internet of things will be bigger and the technology will be integrated in so many more objects. Possibly better paying jobs using both native and web applications; which will have translated from us being better problem solvers, using better judgment and using our creativity or desire to learn new things.

Chapter 3 Strategy and Information Systems

Chapter 3 Strategy and Information Systems

Chapter 3 shows a competitive strategy which is supported by information systems and it helps other collaborate. Using IS will generate a body of knowledge for organizations to analyze and choose a competitive advantage. When structuring information systems, its crucial to survey any type of knowledge and know how to interpret that knowledge. In the end, businesses use the knowledge in information systems to gain a competitive advantage.

Q3-1 How Does Organizational Strategy Determine Information System Structure?

When comparing information system and MIS, the two exist for businesses to use in their strategies. When a company decides on a competitive strategy, it determines the information system structure, features and functions. An organization strategy determines an information system by starting at its industry structure, competitive strategy, value chains, business processes and ends with information system.

Q3-2 What Five Forces Determine Industry Structure?

Industry structure in an organizational strategy starts with reviewing any fundamental characteristics. When accessing an organization industry structure, Porter’s five forces model is one model to consider. Porters five forces model uses five competitive forces to determine how much industry profitability. The five forces model consist of: bargaining power of customers, threat of substitutions, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants and rivalry among existing firms. When using this model, it’s good to understand both strong and weak examples of each examples. Use the model to consider different forces of each category and how these five forces create a competitive advantage. Porters five forces model characteristics basically shows how profitable the industry is and if the industry can sustain those profits. After examining these fiver forces, the organizations must decide what they intend to do next and choose a competitive strategy.

Q3-3 How Does Analysis of Industry Structure Determine Competitive Strategy?

Competitive strategy is begun when the company has decided on its industry structure. In Porter’s five forces model consist of a four competitive strategies model. It is assumed that most organizations focus on at least one of these strategies. One strategy a firm can use is a cost leader strategy by having low prices or competitive prices. The firm can also use a differentiation approach, by making their products different from their competitors. These type of strategies can be utilized and focused on the whole firm itself or use those strategies on a certain market segment.  For example, car rental companies can compete either on providing low cost rental fees throughout the company or low cost fees to particular consumers. The rental company can provide the most range of high/low end cars and rent those type of cars to all individuals or towards particular consumers. Therefore, in order to be an effective firm, an organization strategy and its information system must comply with its competitive strategy.

Q3-4 How Does Competitive Strategy Determine Value Chain Structure?

After an organization sets up its industry structure then analyzes the industry and comes up with a competitive strategy.  After, the firm must use it competitive strategies to organize and structure its organization; creating a value chain structure. Resources, products and services have a money value which consumers are willing to pay for. Therefore, a value chain is a network chain of value creating activities and consist of: five primary activities and four secondary activities.

Primary Activities: These five primary activities are inbound logistics, operations/manufacturing, outbound logistics, customer service, sales and marketing. The first primary task deals with receiving, storing and disseminating inputs to the products. The secondary task transforms those inputs into final products and collecting or storing then distributing those products to buyers. Now the sales and marketing departments get buyers to purchase those products and a given value for purchase. Finally, customer service will enhance the products value by providing assistance and maintenance.

Supporting Activities: These four secondary activities indirectly deal with the production, sale, procurement and service of the product. Any supporting functions in the generic value chain will add value however it also adds cost. Even though it’s hard to calculate the margin of value but value is added and there is a cost.

Value Chain Linkages: These linkages interact with value chain activities, which derived from an integrated, cross-department business system called process design. Organizations should create new, more efficient functional systems rather than automating or improving existing ones. It’s prefer to use a business process that integrates both the value chain activities of all departments.

Q3-5 How Do Business Processes Generate Value?

Business processes uses a network of activities which create value from converting inputs to outputs. Each of these activities are business functions that receives inputs and outputs. Business process generate value by using outputs and the costs. The cost of these business activities are the cost of inputs and cost of the activities. Now to generate a profit margin, you must use the business process value of outputs minus the cost. After its required to generate a repository of data and a raw material repository.

Q3-6 How Does Competitive Strategy Determine Business Processes and the Structure of Information Systems?

When structuring an information system, value generating activities are on top of the chart and compare those activities competitive strategy. For example, choosing a low price cost competitive strategy vs high price cost competitive strategy. Depending on the competitive strategy, a business will choose what information system is best for the company. For instance, the low price cost competitive strategy may require a very simple IS structure for basic business transactions.  Possibly the high price cost competitive strategy may require a large complicated information system.

Q3-7 How Do Information Systems Provide Competitive Advantage?

Competitive Advantage via Products: Organizations can gain a competitive advantage by generating new, by enhancing existing and by differentiating products/services. Information systems will help achieve competitive advantages either for a product or by providing support to a product.

Competitive Advantage via Business Processes: Organizations can establish high switching costs which makes it harder or expensive for consumers to switch to another product. Companies can also lock down suppliers by making it just as difficult to switch to another organization; since it’s easy to connect and work with the current organization.  In addition, creating entry barriers is another competitive advantage by making it more competitive and difficult for new competitors. Another competitive advantage is by establishing alliances and reducing cost.

How Does an Actual Company Use IS to Create Competitive Advantages?

For example, when a company maintains a customer account data, which includes the customer name, address and billing info. An information system will read the customers contact data from its database and saves time by not having to write their information again. A company can turn its product from a package delivery service to a package and information delivery service.  In addition, information systems can generate shipping labels for a company and reduces any shipping errors.

How Does This System Create a Competitive Advantage?

Information systems can also help a company have a different delivery service compare to other similar competitors.  For instance, a new service can be a generated email that’s sent out when a company picks up and delivers a package. An information system both stores and generates data on the consumers and lock in all that data. These systems raise the bar for new barriers in market entry and generates a competitive advantage. Also these systems bring net saving costs, will reduced errors and any printing cost. 

IT Doesnt Matter

Growing up in both the late 90’s and 2000’s, I’ve seen technology boom overtime. I remember going to my first computer class in middle school to teach me how to type and how quickly can I type. However, progressing with technology has cause so many to rely on it. After reading “IT Doesn’t Matter” Nick Carr raised an interesting question; he thinks the U.S. economy or companies should reexamine the usage of both proprietary and infrastructural technologies. In my opinion, I don’t agree with Nick Carr point. He does make some points I do agree on but not his overall opinion.

In the article “IT Doesn’t Matter” Nick Carr discusses how IT is becoming more of commodity and how it takes away the competitive advantage for. All these type of technologies provides companies with different competitive advantages and help exploit new markets very quickly. Those competitive advantages that allow companies to grow quicker and making it harder for smaller businesses. Technology does matter however it’s how you use technology and make sure humans grow with it. If the economy allows IT to replace jobs run by humans, this creates a reliance on technology. IT doesn’t matter when the economy or companies have to rely on it. However, if humans grow with technology and learn how to use or develop IT then it does matter.

Mr. Carr can claim information technology will eventually become a standardize commodity and be able to access it much easier. However easier access to IT may diminish a competitive advantage for some but it also creates a different approach. This approach is a strategic advantage that uses both technology and the human skill sets. IT does matter because technology is rapidly growing but the focus should be on individuals and companies. The real competitive advantage is what individuals and companies can do with that technology.