...Computers v Mainframes James Ratti POS355 April 9, 2012 John Stewart Abstract The world of Information Technology covers many variations of computers, from smart phones to supercomputers like IBM’s Watson. While smart phones and tablets have are becoming more popular, there are two venerable machines that are at the heart of computing, the Personal Computer and the Mainframe. With advances in technology the lines between the two are fading, but will never disappear completely. Personal Computers v Mainframes The information systems backbone of many companies is their mainframe computer. The mainframe computer is a large centrally located machine capable of processing multiple very large transactions at the same time. Users access these large computers by workstations that can resemble a personal computer, but are often a dumb terminal. What is a Mainframe and how would you define what it is? It really comes down to centralization and distribution rather than computing power (Oman, n.d.). With ever increasing technologies, the actual computing power of Personal Computers is rivaling that of Mainframes, however, the Personal Computer becomes limited when it comes to how many users can log on to it and how many jobs can run. The huge amounts of data that can be processed by many more users than can be logged into a personal computer and the ability of the mainframes users to be located around the globe and stay secure are all things that define a mainframe. A...
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...Internet Operating Systems For years I thought that operating systems were little programs (lines of code) placed inside my personal computer to help it run smoothly and efficiently. Which it is. But not until recently did I discover that operating systems must also be used in larger mainframes and servers as well. After all, servers are computers too! And any computer, regardless of its size or purpose, needs internal instructions. It needs a set of executable code that makes the thing come alive. Operating systems are the soul of all computers everywhere. This begs a question or two: what types of OS’s are out there? And how do they differ from the one in my Mac? Also, if I wanted to swap out my current operating system for a different one (my friends keep telling me about all of the great things they’re doing with Linux), how easy of a task would that be? The most common OS for a desktop (or a laptop) in use today is Windows 7 ("Os Platform Statistics", 2012). But what about the operating systems which are used by small and large companies that host web pages? Or store hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of large data files in a centralized data center? Or provide search engine services? Companies like Google, facebook, and Yahoo!, maintain their own, internal OS’s, which are designed to serve, store and manipulate data according to the needs of the public. (Consider how Google started out as nothing more than a search engine with fancier algorithms...
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...The Similarities and Differences of PC/Mainsframes Ryan Serrano University of Phoenix Introduction to Operating Systems POS 355 John Stewart May 05, 2012 The Similarities and Differences of PC/Mainsframes The events leading up to the evolution of technology have driven innovation to a whole new level of affecting society’s constant growth. These new technologies have helped to simplify the work load more than ever before thought. With the advancement of technology have come many milestones both positive and negative. These milestones can be seen economically, culturally, and socially. What began as a large mainframe which filled up rooms of space has evolved into portable devices like smart-phones that can easily be customized to each users preferences. Two avenues in technology to explore are the mainframe and the PC which sets the tone and is the foundation of what technology can bring into the next millennium. Mainframes are a digital computer that is designed for high speed data processing through the heavy use of input/output units such as large capacity disks and printers. The industrial era relied heavily on manpower to satisfy consumer needs. But as time wore on the consumer demand became so great that the use of mainframes was necessary to simplify and meet consumer demands. In addition, what would take months or even years to produce could easily be completed in weeks or a few days with mainframes. They have even been used for such applications as...
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...Contrast PC's and Mainframes Lowell J. Head POS/355 July 16, 2012 Wendy Lamont Compare and Contrast PC's and Mainframes Introduction Personal Computers (PC’s) and Mainframes have come a long way since their starts many years ago. The PC’s roots began with the mainframe. Access to the mainframe was done through a small terminal known as a dumb terminal; the dumb terminal provided no processing, only video and a keyboard. This led to trying to take some of the load from the mainframe and put it at the terminal. Thus, the PC was born. A mainframe computer is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. A PC is only expected to support a single user at a time and focus all of its processing power towards that user’s needs. There are many types of computers that could be called PC’s: Workstation, tower, desktop, notebook, or tablet. Compare The PC and the mainframe are very similar in what hardware is needed to operate. Each has a motherboard, processor, bus, memory, storage, operating system(s), and a display. The PC and the mainframe can both be programmed to manipulate data and it can execute a program and store and retrieve data. They respond to instructions as defined by the operating system. Contrast The operating system is one of the main differences between PC’s and mainframes. The mainframe’s operating system is very complex, more so than the PC. The size of the mainframe is probably the most...
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... | |Mainframe computers |Mainframe computers were the hub of a company’s IT system information. They are large,| | |only accessible by company managers, and used mostly for number crunching. Later, | | |although they remained expensive minicomputers were made that were used for word | | |processing, and more readily available for other departments to use. | |Microprocessors |Microprocessors are the software components that help to make the personal computer | | |possible. Microprocessors are essentially the brains inside of a pc. | |PCs |PC’s or personal computers are much smaller than mainframe computers and made for | | |individual use. They are computers that use software within a business and held a | | |connection to the company’s mainframe. | |Network computers |Network computers act as the liaison in the communication between the pc and a | | |company’s mainframe. The connection of a group of pc’s connected to the mainframe |...
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...Data Resiliency Abstract This document examines the business use of mainframe, distributed computing, and has a focus on the financial industry and the challenges over that period. The main research consisted of online documentation with an emphasis on the mainframes and IBM. Data breaches against financial institutions occurred since the inception of computers. Additionally, challenges exist such that security approaches vary wildly, are subject to geographical limitations, and suffer from a lack of information sharing. The early adopters of computers originated in the financial, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries with most of the early adopters from finance and banking. The ability to crunch and act upon large volumes of data at a fraction of manual efforts were a huge driver in their adoption. Prior to the advent of a single computing entity, these industries used centralized computing to run applications, handle large amounts of data, perform financial tasks, print reports, and manage calculations. “Most consider the mainframe’s birth to coincide with the April 7, 1964, announcement of the IBM System/ 360 line of computers.” (Higgin, 2012). With the introduction by International Business Machines' (IBM) mainframe computers came a centralized computing model that performed the already mentioned tasks as an all-in-one computer. This mainframe computer truly represented centralized computing. Along with the announcement came a reasonable price for corporations...
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...clients using advanced information technology. Its clients are individual users, specialised businesses, and institutions such as government, science, defence, spatial and educational organisations. To meet and respond to its customers needs, IBM creates, develops and manufactures many of the world’s most advanced technologies, ranging from computer systems and software to networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. Indeed, IBM has various product lines and services a few of which are: the Personal Computer that was first created in 1981, AS/400 business system, RS/6000 family of workstations and server systems, S/390 enterprise server, groundbreaking ThinkPad notebook computer; the award-winning IBM Netfinity and finally, PC Servers. It is an important supplier of hard disks, random access memories, and liquid crystal monitors. IBM has created the image “Solutions for a Little World”. Its products and components in other firm’s products are so widespread that people around the world associate the name IBM with computing functions. IBM is a global information system and computing company. It is organized in 5 worldwide regions, and the following business units: For many years, IBM succeeded in holding a very good market position. In fact, the company achieved a very high market share and huge profits. However, this situation did not last forever. In 1990, IBM experienced its first quarterly loss of $2billion due to some...
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...divided it to the following categories. 1.Microcomputer: Microcomputer is at the lowest end of the computer range in terms of speed and storage capacity. Its CPU is a microprocessor. The first microcomputers were built of 8-bit microprocessor chips. The most common application of personal computers (PC) is in this category. The PC supports a number of input and output devices. An improvement of 8-bit chip is 16-bit and 32-bit chips. Examples of microcomputer are IBM PC, PC-AT . 2.Mini Computer: This is designed to support more than one user at a time. It possesses large storage capacity and operates at a higher speed. The mini computer is used in multi-user system in which various users can work at the same time. This type of computer is generally used for processing large volume of data in an organisation. They are also used as servers in Local Area Networks (LAN). 3.Mainframes: These types of computers are generally 32-bit microprocessors. They operate at very high speed, have very large storage capacity and can handle the work load of many users. They are generally used in centralised databases. They are also used as controlling nodes in Wide Area Networks (WAN). Example of mainframes are DEC, ICL and IBM 3000 series. 4.Supercomputer: They are the fastest and most expensive machines. They have high processing speed compared to other computers. They have also multiprocessing technique. One of the ways in which supercomputers are built is by interconnecting hundreds of microprocessors...
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...Mainframe VS Personal Computer Mainframe VS Personal Computer What is the difference between a mainframe and a personal computer? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? The difference between a mainframe computer and a personal computer is, a personal computer is designed for one user to be logged in at any given time, while a mainframe computer can have several users simultaneously. Also you can go out to your local electronic store and purchase a powerful PC at a reasonable price. As for mainframe computers you cannot just run out and buy one unless you are very wealthy. The main difference the two, that everyone notices is the size. Mainframe computers only come in one size, extra-large. Personal computers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Mainframe computers and personal computers both have their advantages and disadvantages. The mainframe computers advantages are, a “mainframe computer can communicate with several users simultaneously through a technique called timesharing”(Beekman & Quinn, 2008, p. 11). Another disadvantage of a mainframe computer is they are, “room-sized machines with price tags to match” (Beekman & Quinn, 2008, p. 11). Maintenance and support is another disadvantage. When a mainframe computer needs an up-grade or repairs done, an outside party under strict contract is needed to be contacted. The advantages of a personal computer are they come in a variety of sizes, a “desktop computer is a PC designed...
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...following hardware/software components |Legacy systems |Legacy systems are computers, hardware, and software needed to run an IT system. | | |These systems are a huge investment for company’s and often require system upgrades. | |Mainframe computers |The mainframe computer is the grandfather of today’s computer systems. Mainframe | | |computers often serve as the center of a company’s information storage and processing.| |Microprocessors |Microprocessors are basically the brains of a PC. They are the software components | | |that help to make the personal computer possible | |PCs | PC’s are personal computers that are smaller version of the mainframe computer, and | | |made for individual use. | |Network computers |Network computers connect PC users to the same server which allows them to access and | | |share the same information. | |World Wide Web and Internet | The World Wide Web is a connection worldwide to any and every computer...
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...Title: The Fall of IBM Date: September 20, 2013 I. Executive Summary The purpose of this case study analysis is to analyze the situation of IBM in the 1990s, to come up with possible mutually exclusive alternatives for IBM’s management and ultimately, to recommend a possible strategy to regain back IBM’s throne in the industry. The problem of the case study is all about the survival of IBM in a much more competitive market ever encountered by the company. And also, overcoming new challenges brought about IBM’s new management and the dynamic technological environment. The methods of analysis used for this case study are the Porter’s Five Forces Model and the ANSOFF matrix analysis. Brief explanations were provided in each of the methods used for analysis. After analyzing the case study, the following three mutually exclusive alternative course of action were developed: 1. Decentralize Management; 2. Invest heavily on research and development and; 3. Partner with suppliers From the alternatives, I recommend that IBM should partner with its suppliers. Collaboration with suppliers will increase business flexibility and executive level business decision support. This will surely bring the most benefit for the company among the other alternatives course of action. The suppliers play a great role in the industry and having strong connections with them can help the company survive and even excel in the industry. Outline and Implementation: ...
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...Associate Level Material Appendix E Hardware/Software Components In your own words, describe the following hardware/software components Legacy systems | This is a computer system or program which is used because of the cost of replacing or redesigning it and often despite its poor competitiveness and compatibility with modern equivalents. The implication is that the system is large and difficult to modify | Mainframe computers | These are computers used by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing such as industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning and transaction processing. | Microprocessors | This is described as multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as inputs, processes it according to instructions stored in its own memory, and provides results as output. It is sequential digital logic and has internal memory. | PCs | This is a personal computer. A is a general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities make it useful for individuals, and is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator. | Network computers | Network computers were diskless desktop computer device made by the Oracle Corporation from 1996 to 2000. The devices were designed and manufactured by an alliance, which included Sun Microsystems, IBM, and others. | World Wide Web and Internet | The Internet is a massive network of networks, a networking infrastructure....
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...System/360 and System/370 mainframe series. These powerful mainframes, which fully automated a company’s manual information processing systems, became the industry standard that competitors tried to match. Apart from this, IBM’s high-priced lease strategy, backed by excellent customer service, also contributed to the rapid rise of the company’s fortunes. This leasing system tied the company to its customers, thus guaranteeing a steady cash flow. Over the years, IBM’s traditional focus on service, combined with a successful sales force, always gave it a competitive advantage. Another of IBM’s strengths is its successful alliances and joint ventures with computer, software, and marketing companies such as Intel and Microsoft. These ventures helped IBM achieve product innovation and differentiation and enter new markets. IBM’s contention system can also be considered as strength. In this system, project teams design competing product prototypes and a series of committees at all managerial levels debate the costs and benefits of each project over a time period. This resulted to the approval of generally successful projects. Furthermore, the product group structure which was implemented during the restructuring of the ‘90s proved to be very successful. In this structure, the divisions were organized around products instead of functions and each group had control over its manufacturing and marketing. Weaknesses IBM’s major weakness was its ‘mainframes were king’ corporate mindset...
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...siness-machines-corporation-business-essay.php#ixzz2zlzJOVvG Industry Overview and Principal Competitors Because IBM has a large diversified range of product and services, and is present in more than 170 Countries (IBM Form 10-K Annual 2010 Report, 2011) it ́s not easy to analyze the markets where it acts. Although, we can see some main competitors: Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Dell, each of these companies with a different focus area. Dell makes most of its money on PC and server hardware, while HP is more diversified as the leader in PCs and Imaging & Printing as well as offering IT services. Since IBM relies heavily on its Software and Services segment, it mainly competes with HP in the servers and IT services markets and with Dell in the servers and software markets. IBM is the leader in servers, IT services, and software. Also IBM leads HP and Dell in all measures of profitability, largely because IBM is focused on high-margin sectors such as services and software and has gotten out of the thin-margin PC business, in which HP and Del lare still heavily involved. In addition to HP and Dell, IBM also competes with smaller IT consulting firms such as Accenture. However, IBM leads these companies by a large margin in terms of revenue, profitability, and scale as we see on the next table. Finally, we put the data of Microsoft because it can permit us compare IBM with a large TI Company, but that doesn’t ́t compete in a lot of products International Business Machines Corporation...
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...(1973): The UPC barcode system, an elegantly simple matrix of information that can be customized for almost any type of transaction and can yield as much data as needed. Pioneering Speech Recognition: At the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, IBM showcased the world’s most advanced speech recognition system, the “Shoebox” The punch card tabulator: Herman Hollerith, a young technical whiz at the US Census Bureau, invented the first tabulating machines helped count the 1890 census, saving the bureau several years’ work and more than US$5 million. IBM 1401 Mainframe (1959): IBM introduced the 1401, the first high-volume, stored-program, core-memory transistorized mainframe computer Cryptography for a Connected World: IBM developed its Data Encryption Standard (DES), a cryptographic algorithm to secure data. Floppy Disk: It was originally designed for large-scale systems, as a more efficient form factor for IBM's System/370 mainframe data loads The Social Security System: In the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, the Company provided more than 400 punch card tabulating machines to establish records for 26 million workers. The Apollo Missions: IBM has taken part in every US manned space effort in history, working on systems for Mercury, Gemini-Titan and Apollo-Saturn missions, and for the historic 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the Moon Silicon Germanium Chips: In 1994, IBM Research patented a method for making low-cost semiconductor chips...
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