Review of Business Information Systems – Third Quarter 2008

Volume 12, Number 3

United Parcel Service’s IT
Infrastructure: A Case Analysis
Russell Baker, Jacksonville University
Brian Wm. Dudley, Jacksonville University
Sean Holt, Jacksonville University
Chris Stockton, Jacksonville University
Vanja Vukota, Jacksonville University

ABSTRACT
This analysis of the information technology infrastructure at United Parcel Service (UPS) begins with a general overview of the company’s information technology (IT) environment to establish awareness of the size and complexity of this corporation. It includes a macro-level breakdown of the technology infrastructure of UPS ranging from the data centers to the PCs currently in operation. The study also more closely analyzes the software and database structure of UPS along with an analysis of the company’s E-commerce activities. It includes an interview with Tom
Creech, the North Florida District E-commerce manager at UPS. Finally, research was conducted to evaluate the emerging technologies that UPS is implementing and employing to support the business strategy and maintain its competitive edge.

OVERVIEW

I

nfrastructure, data and proprietary e-commerce software elements are the foundation of UPS’s technology success. These tools work together to support its e-commerce strategy, which in turn supports the company’s business strategy. The company’s ongoing investment and research in emerging technologies gives UPS its competitive advantage according to Tom Creech, North Florida District E-commerce
Manager. “UPS is always interested in current and emerging technologies that can assist our business and improve our efficiency” (Creech, 2004). Several awards have been presented to UPS for its application and innovativeness in e-commerce technology. InternetWeek’s lists UPS in its 2004 top 100 companies. Infoworld ranked UPS seventh