Ch 11

Client-Server System

Refers to two pieces of software: a client that makes a request and a server that receives and attempts to fulfill the request.

Server

A program that fulfills the request of a client.

Why might a firm want to seek to purchase a third-party solution to automate its value chain, and when might it want to keep functions in-house?

Depends on cost benefit analysis. If the benefit of purchasing a third party solution way surpass the cost and if the vendor specializes in making ERP, then it may be the best to purchase it. However if a company has a very complex system, it may be better to make in house.

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

A robust set of web services built around an organization's processes and procedures. makes systems flexible!!

Electronic/Enterprise Data Interchange (EDI)

A set of standards for exchanging information between computer applications. Eliminates paper documents and saves moolah!

Scripting Languages

Programming tool that executes within an application. Interpreted in their programs rather than by a microprocessor.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Systems that can help a firm manage aspects of its value chain, from the flow of raw materials into the firm through delivery of finished products and services at the point-of-consumption.

User Interface (UI)

The mechanism through which users interact with a computing device. Windows, scroll bars, buttons, menus, etc.

Business Intelligent Systems (BI)

Use data created by other systems to provide reporting and analysis for organizational decision making.

Applications

A range of which include end-user programs like those in Office, apps that run on smartphones, and the complex set of programs that manage a business's inventory, payroll, and accounting.

Database

A single table or a collection of related tables.

Software Package

A software product offered commercially by a third party.

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

A tagging language that can be used to identify data fields available made available for use by other applications. Replacing EDI.

Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)

Gauge an organization's process maturity and capability in areas critical to developing and deploying technology projects, and provides a carefully chosen set of best practices and guidelines to assist quality and process improvement.

What is the difference between hardware and software?

Hardware is physical, while software is code consisting of computer programs that tell hardware what to do.

Knowledge

Insight from experience and expertise. Knowledge+Date=Information

Database Administrator

Job focused on directing, performing, or overseeing activities associated with a database or set of databases.

How do embedded systems extend Moore's Law, allowing firms to create "smarter products and services?

Moore's law makes embedded systems more possible, because no one is going to pay $100 for a picture frame with sensors. The more people that are buying these embedded systems encourages more production of them, which in the future will lead to smarter products and services.

Platform

Products and services that allow for the development nd integration of software products and other complementary goods.

Programming Language

Provides the standards, syntax, statements, and instructions for writing a computer software.

Embedded Systems

Special purpose software designed and included inside physical products. Make devices "smarter." Often stored as firmware. Designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions, and are frequently built into conventional products like thermostats, door locks, cars, air conditioners, industrial equipment, and elevators.

Computing Software

The physical components of information technology, which can include the computer itself plus peripherals such as storage devices, input devices like the mouse and keyboard, output devices like monitors and printers, networking equipment, and so on.

What are the major classifications of hardware? What are some example of each of these categories?

-Input hardware: keyboard, mouse, document scanners, bar code scanners, video cameras, microphones -Processing Devices: central processing unit, main memory (RAM), special function cards -Output hardware: video displays, printers, audio speakers, overhead projectors, plotters -Storage Hardware: magnetic disks (hard drive), optical disks (CDs and DVDs), magnetic tape, flash drives.

What are the risks and rewards of installing packaged enterprise systems?

-Rewards: save money, streamline processes, make data more usable, ease the linking of systems with software across the firm and with business partners. -Risks: standardized functions are easy for competitors to match, difficult to achieve, expensive upfront

What are the different cost categories that compromise TCO?

-design -development -testing -implementation -documentation -maintenance -training all of a software system!

Operating Systen (OS)

A common set of controls for managing computer hardware, making it easier for users to interact with computers and for programmers to write application software.

Software

A computer program or collection of programs. Precise set of instructions that tells hardware what to do.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

All the costs associated with the design, development, testing, implementation, documentation, training and maintenance of a software system.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An application that includes an editor, debugger, and compiler among many other tools. Used my most professional programmers and compiles (takes from human words to 0s and 1s for computers) a program's code.

Enterprise Software

Applications that address the needs of multiple, simultaneous users in an organization or work group. Ex. Keeping track of inventory.

Desktop Software

Apps installed on a personal computer. ex. photo editing app

Information

Data presented in a context that it can answer a question or support decision making.

What are the categories of enterprise software?

CRM: Customer relationship management; used to support customer-related sales and marketing activities. SCM: supply chain management; systems that can help a firm manage aspects of its value chain BI: business intelligence; use data created by other stems to provide reporting and analysis for decision support

What is the relationship of the DBMS to the other enterprise software systems?

DBMSs store and retrieve data created by the other enterprise software systems.

What is the difference between data and information?

Data is raw facts and figures while information is data presented in context with knowledge applied to it.

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

Each Web service defines the standard method for other programs to request it to perform a task and defines the kind of response the calling client can expect back.

Compliance

Ensuring that the system operates within the firm's legal constraints and industry obligations.

What is an OS and why do computer devices require one?

OS provides a common set of controls for managing computer hardware. Every computing device has one. They give programmers a common set of commands to consistently interact with hardware, making it easier to write software. OSs create platforms that make the the computer do even more useful things.

Data

Simply raw facts and figures.

Web Services

Small pieces of code that are accessed via the application server which permit interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network.

What is the importance of software? What are the implications of software on the firm? What are the implications on strategic decision making?

Software is important because it is everywhere. Keep track of inventory, record sales, manage payments to suppliers, cut employee paychecks, and handle other functions.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Software package that incorporates many functions of a business. Can touch sales, manufacturing, inventory, human resources, purchasing, order tracking, and decision support.

Firmware

Software stored on nonvolatile memory chips. ex. iPod

Application Server

Software that houses and serves business logic for use by multiple applications.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Systems used to support customer-related sales and marketing activities.

Operating System

The collection of programs that control the hardware.

Database Management System (DBMS)

The database system stores and retrieves the data that an application creates and uses. Creating, maintaining, and manipulating data.

What is the client-server model of distributed computing?

Two pieces of software: a client that makes a request, and a sever that receives and attempts to fulfill the request. Ex. the internet. client is the browser, and when you type a web address you are telling the client to" find the web server software at the address i gave you and tell the server to return the website requested"

Inherent Process

When an organization acquires a business application form, say, Oracle or SAP, the processes for using the software are built-in, inherent processes.

Distributed Computing

When computers in different locations can communicate with one another.