...Infrastructure: Hardware and Software” Review Questions 1-5 1. What are the components of IT infrastructure? • Define information technology (IT) infrastructure and describe each of its components. IT infrastructure consists of the shared technology resources that provide the platform for the firm’s specific information system applications. Major IT infrastructure components include computer hardware, software, data management technology, networking and telecommunications technology, and technology services. 2. What are the major computer hardware, data storage, input, and output technologies used in business? * Computer Hardware: Mainframes, midrange computers, PC’s, workstations, and supercomputers. * Data Storage: Magnetic disk, optical disc, magnetic tape and storage networks. * Input devices: Keyboards, computer mice, touch screens (including those with multitouch), magnetic ink and optical character recognition devices, pen-based instruments, digital scanners, sensors, audio input devices, and radio-frequency identification devices. * Output devices: Display monitors, printers, and audio output devices. • List and describes the various type of computers available to businesses today. * Mainframes are a large-capacity, high-performance computer that can process large amounts of data very rapidly. * Midrange computers are servers computers are specifically optimized to support a computer network, enabling users to share files, software, peripheral...
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...-The components of IT infrastructure: computer hardware, software, data management technology( organizes, manages, and processes business data concerned with inventory, customers and vendors), networking and telecommunications technology, and technology services. -Two major types of computer software used in business: system software and application software. System software coordinates the various parts of the computer system and mediates between application software and computer hardware. Application software is used to develop specific business applications. -Cloud computing provides computer processing, storage, software, and other services as virtualized resources over a network, primarily the Internet, on an as-needed basis. -Mangers and information systems specialists need to pay special attention to hardware capacity planning the scalability to ensure that the firm has enough computing power for its current and future needs. -Example: BART(bay area rapid transit) speeds up with a new IT infrastructure. Oracle’s Peoplesoft enterprise applications replaced legacy applications. Used blade servers, grid architecture, and virtualization, increasing server capacity utilization to 50% or more. It demonstrates IT’s role in using resources more efficiently, reducing computer energy usage, modernizing services. -IT infrastructure: provides platform for supporting all information systems in the business. -Hardware: types of computers: mobile devices, PCs, workstations...
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...II 4 IT Infrastructure: Hardware and Software 5 Foundations of Business Intelligence: Databases and Information Management 6 Telecommunications, the Internet, and Wireless Technology 7 Securing Information Systems Part II provides the technical foundation for understanding information systems by examining hardware, software, databases, networking technologies, and tools and techniques for security and control. This part answers questions such as these: What technologies and tools do businesses today need to accomplish their work? What do I need to know about these technologies to make sure they enhance the performance of my firm? How are ISBN 1-269-41688-X these technologies likely to change in the future? 107 Essentials of Management Information Systems, Tenth Edition, by Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon. Published by Prentice Hall. Copyright © 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc. IT Infrastructure: Hardware and Software LEARNING OBJECTIVES C H A P T E R 4 STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this chapter, you will be able to answer the following questions: 1. 2. What are the components of IT infrastructure? What are the major computer hardware, data storage, input, and output technologies used in business? What are the major types of computer software used in business? What are the most important contemporary hardware and software trends? What are the principal issues in managing hardware and software technology? 3. 4. ...
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...where the users of the computer of today’s internet world don’t have to run, install or store their application or data on their own computers, imagine the world where every piece of your information or data would reside on the Cloud (Internet). As a metaphor for the Internet, "the cloud" is a familiar cliché, but when combined with "computing", the meaning gets bigger and fuzzier. Some analysts and vendors define cloud computing narrowly as an updated version of utility computing: basically virtual servers available over the Internet. Others go very broad, arguing anything you consume outside the firewall is "in the cloud", including conventional outsourcing. Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about what we always need: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends ICT's existing capabilities. Cloud computing is at an early stage, with a motley crew of providers large and small delivering a slew of cloud-based services, from full-blown applications to storage services to spam filtering. Yes, utility-style infrastructure providers are part of the mix, but so are SaaS (software as a service) providers such as Salesforce.com. Today, for the most part, IT must plug into cloud-based services individually, but cloud computing aggregators and integrators...
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...Introduction to Computer Hardware In general, there is very little that you as a future manager need to know about computer hardware, other than some basic vocabulary. The key ideas we want to you understand about hardware are: * Computers are basically simple electronic devices. While what they do may seem magical, very little of the magic comes from the computer itself. In fact computers are limited in what they can do. * More of the magic comes from the software – the set of instructions that tell the computer how to process and display data (and we’ll talk more about that in the following classes). * Most of the magic comes from the way people use the information produced by the computer, and (most importantly) the way they recognize, manage, and overcome the limits of computer-based information. To understand and manage these limitations, you need to have a basic understanding of hardware and software. We can use the systems model (input-process-output) to categorize hardware. There are input devices (e.g., a keyboard) and output devices (e.g. a monitor). We also need to store intermediate and final results of computations, so we need data storage devices (e.g., hard drives). The process is represented by the “processing unit” of the computer (also called a Central Processing Unit or CPU). While it gets a little technical, it is worth understanding how a CPU works, because you need to understand that before you can understand how software works. And...
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... Define IT infrastructure from both a technology and a services perspective. • Technical perspective is defined as the shared technology resources that provide the platform for the firm’s specific information system applications. It consists of a set of physical devices and software applications that are required to operate the entire enterprise. • Service perspective is defined as providing the foundation for serving customers, working with vendors, and managing internal firm business processes. In this sense, IT infrastructure focuses on the services provided by all the hardware and software. IT infrastructure is a set of firm-wide services budgeted by management and comprising both human and technical capabilities. List and describe the components of IT infrastructure that firms need to manage. Students may wish to use Figure 5-10 to answer the question. IT infrastructure today is composed of seven major components. • Internet Platforms – Apache, Microsoft IIS, .NET, UNIX, Cisco, Java • Computer Hardware Platforms – Dell, IBM, Sun, HP, Apple, Linux machines • Operating Systems Platforms – Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X • Enterprise Software Applications – (including middleware), SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Microsoft, BEA • Networking/Telecommunications – Microsoft Windows Server, Linux, Novell, Cisco, Lucent, Nortel, MCI, AT&T, Verizon • Consultants and System Integrators – IBM/KPMG, EDS, Accenture • Data Management...
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...and her suggestions. My deepest thanks go to my wife/husband, for her/his love, understanding and support." Table of Content |No. |Contents |Page | |1 |Background | | |2 |Technological Definition | | |3 |Application | | |4 |Classification | | |5 |Future Prospects | | |6 |Business Value | | |7 |Limitation | | |8 |Conclusion | | |9 |References | | Background: The term "cloud" is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the cloud drawing used in the past to represent the telephone network,[22] and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents.[23] Cloud computing is a natural evolution of the widespread adoption of virtualisation, service-oriented...
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...infrastructure and how best to manage it. 5.1 IT Infrastructure When you mention the phrase “information technology infrastructure,” most people immediately think of just hardware and software. However, there is more to it than just those two. In fact, the most important and often most-ignored component is that of services. Integrating all three components forces a business to think in terms of the value of the whole and not just the parts. Including all three components in any discussion of IT infrastructure truly fits the cliché that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Defining IT Infrastructure If you define a firm’s IT infrastructure in terms of technology you limit the discussion to the hardware and software components. By broadening the definition to that of service-based, you are then bringing into the discussion the services generated by the first two components. Also, you are including the persware element that we discussed in Chapter 1. As technology advances the types of hardware and software available, it becomes more critical for the firm to focus on the services that a firm can provide to its customers, suppliers, employees, and business partners. To round out the list of IT infrastructure components you need to add the following services to computing hardware and software: • Computing services: Provide platforms that ensure a coherent digital environment • Telecommunications services: Determine appropriate data, voice, and video that connect employees...
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...Unit 1. History of computing and Information systems Unit Introduction In this unit, you will learn how computing systems are used and how they relate to society. You will also explore the history of computing and information systems, components of computing devices, characteristics of information systems that are in use by organizations. The unit will also give you an overview of how to implement and manage an information for organizations or individuals. You will also discover that before an information system is implemented that there are certain steps that must be covered to address issues such as the business needs and why the system is required, users of the system, user requirements, user authentication, user privacy, security of data and the system, components required, system software,...
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...Business System Advantage Industry-related computer systems are an important aspect of every business. Every company’s system has specific features that differ from other companies. The two main aspects that make up a company’s computer systems are software and hardware. Depending on the type of company, their software and hardware may be high-end, or low-end. In regards to my company, I usually use high-end software and hardware. Running an online retail store requires the use of many programs at once. Although running an online store might not seem like much work, it requires a great deal of attention. Using high-end hardware and software places my company at an advantage. According to Technology Guide 1: Computer Hardware, the author states, “In many industries, exploiting computer hardware is a key to achieving competitive advantage” (Rainer & Cegielski, 2011, Technology Guide 1: Computer Hardware). Business System Specifications In regard to my company’s personal computing software and hardware, we use several devices that run off different applications. One of the hardware devices we use is a phone system called MagicJack. “Magicjack is a device about the size of your thumb which plugs into a USB drive in your computer” (Block, 2010, para. How does the magic work?). This hardware device requires a software application to be installed on our computers that enable a phone to be connected to receive phone-calls. Whenever a customer calls our toll-free number, a dial-pad...
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...Virtual Computing: How is it Used? What are the benefits? Virtual Computing: What is it? What are the Benefits? Introduction Partitioning or dividing the resources of a single server into multiple segregated VMs is virtualization. Virtual computing allows organizations to save technical resources and money. There are various virtual computing applications which are useful to organizations. The benefits of virtual computing are achieving faster system speeds, eliminating upfront capital costs, managing corporate desktops in an efficient way and allowing reduction in power costs. Main VMs were originally in use by IBM around 1960 and were intended to leverage investments in pricy mainframe computers. “Virtualization, or technology that allows one physical PC or server to act like many separate computers, is just one of many strains on traditional software licensing. In the old days, things were simple: Each program ran once on a computer that had a single user and a single processor. Now, it is not uncommon for a program or operating system to be running multiple times on the same piece of hardware, which may be powered by multiple processors, or a single chip with multiple processing cores.” (Fried, 2006) With virtual computing allows users remote access to software applications and processes whenever it is needed. Access is gained through the internet, wireless network or network server. Through virtual computing providers, users can download and use more than one...
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...Volume 2, Issue 2, February 2012 ISSN: 2277 128X International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering Research Paper Available online at: www.ijarcsse.com E-learning based on Cloud Computing Deepanshu Madan Scholar’s; Computer science & Engg. Deptt. Dehradun institute of technology Dehradun, india Ashish Pant Assistant Professor; Computer Sc. & Engg dept. Dehradun Institute of Technology Dehradun, India. Suneet Kumar Assistant Professor; Computer Sc. & Engg dept. Dehradun Institute of technology Dehradun, India Arjun Arora Assistant Professor; Computer Sc. & Engg dept. Dehradun Institute of Technology Dehradun, India. Abstract : The popularity of learning on the internet, the construction of perfect web-based learning environment has become one of the hot points on researching remote education.It is envisioned that, in the near future, cloud computing will have a significant impact on the educational and learning environment,enabling their own users(i.e.,learners, instructors, and administrators) to perform their tasks effectively with less cost by utilizing the available cloud-based applications offered by the cloud service providers. This paper discusses the use of cloud computing in the educational and learning arena, to be called ‟Education and Learning as a Service” (ELaaS), emphasizing its possible benefits and offerings. It is essential for an educational and learning organization, with its budget restrictions...
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...INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING Have you ever noticed how the invention of one technology can have profound and unexpected effects on other seemingly unrelated technologies, on commercial enterprises, on people and even on culture as a whole? This phenomenon often called:- “THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES”. Today, computer software is the single most important technology on the world stage, and software is also a prime example of the “Law of Unintended Consequences”. No one could have foreseen that over the past 50 years, software become embedded in system of all kinds. i.e. Banking, Medical, Transportation, Entertainment and so on. And if we believe in the Law of Unintended Consequences, there are many more effects that we can not yet predict! As software’s importance has grown, the software community has continually attempted to develop technologies that will make it easier, faster and less expensive to build and maintain high quality computer programs. Some of the Software technologies are targeted at a Specific Application Domain (e.g. Web site design and implementation). Others focus on a Technology Domain (e.g. O.O System and programming) and still these are Broad-based software Applications domain (e.g. Operating Systems such as Linux), However we have yet to develop a Software technology that targeted to all the likelihood of one arising in the future is small. WHAT IS COMPUTER SOFTWARE? Computer Software is the product that Software professionals...
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...Ch. 5. Moore's Law and More: Fast, Cheap Computing, Disruptive Innovation, and What This Moore's Law definition: Chip performance per dollar doubles every eighteen months. Moore’s Law applies to chips—broadly speaking, to processors and chip-based storage. Microprocessor is the brain of a computing device. It’s the part of the computer that executes the instructions of a computer program. For processors, Moore’s Law means that next generation chips should be twice as fast in about eighteen months, but cost the same as today’s models. Random-access memory (RAM ) Fast, chip-based volatile storage in a computing device Flash memory Nonvolatile, chip-based storage Volatile memory: Storage that is wiped clean when power is cut off from a device Nonvolatile memory: Storage that retains data even when powered down. Solid state electronics: Semiconductor-based devices Semiconductors: Substance such as silicon dioxide used inside most computer chips that is capable of enabling and inhibiting the flow of electricity Optical fiber line: High-speed glass or plastic-lined networking cable used in telecommunications ...
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...Essentials of Management Information Systems, 9e (Laudon/Laudon) Chapter 4 IT Infrastructure: Hardware and Software 1) IT infrastructure technology is the set of physical devices required to operate the entire enterprise. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 117 AACSB: Use of IT CASE: Comprehension 2) Today, most system and application software is custom built by in-house programmers. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 118 AACSB: Reflective Thinking CASE: Comprehension 3) Systems integration means ensuring the legacy systems work with new elements of the infrastructure. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 119 AACSB: Use of IT CASE: Comprehension 4) One of the main benefits of moving to mobile business computing platforms is the dramatically lower costs of hardware. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 145 AACSB: Reflective Thinking CASE: Comprehension 5) Today most business firms have discontinued operating their legacy systems, and they have been extremely inexpensive to replace with newer technology. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 119 AACSB: Use of IT CASE: Comprehension 6) A mainframe is a type of legacy workstation. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 119 AACSB: Reflective Thinking CASE: Comprehension 7) Client/server computing is the most widely used form of centralized processing. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 120 AACSB: Reflective Thinking CASE: Comprehension 8) In two-tiered client/server architecture, the processing...
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