chap 19 - technology in business

A(n) _____ is the collective term that describes the methods and the equipment used to provide information about all aspects of a firm's operation.

Management information system

Collecting data over a period of time and then processing that data all at the same time is called_____ processing

batch

Management support systems

dynamic systems that allow users to analyze data to make forecasts, identify business trends, and model business strategies

Management support systems (MSSs)

use the internal master database to perform high-level analyses that help managers make better decisions

management information systems

users, hardware, and software that support decision-making. Information systems collect and store the company's key data and produce the information managers need for analysis, control, and decision-making.

network

A group of two or more computer systems linked together by communications channels to share data and information is called a computer

Application service providers (ASPs)

Companies subscribe, usually on a monthly basis, to an ASP and use the applications much like you'd use telephone voice mail, the technology for which resides at the phone company. Other names for ASPs include on-demand software, hosted applications, and software-as-a-service

A(n) _____ is an information system that uses information technology tools to improve communications throughout an organization.

Office automation system

transaction processing system (TPS)

The TPS receives raw data from internal and external sources and prepares these data for storage in a database similar to a microcomputer database but vastly larger

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization's network

database

an electronic filing system that collects and organizes data and information

enterprise portal

an internal website that provides proprietary corporate information to a defined user group

three forms portals can take

business to employee (B2E), business to business (B2B), and business to consumer (B2C)

A wide area network (WAN)

connects computers at different sites via telecommunications media such as phone lines, satellites, and microwaves

database management system (DBMS)

creates, reads, updates, and deletes data in a database while controlling access and securityenterprise resource planning (ERP)

executive information system (EIS)

customized for an individual executive. These systems provide specific information for strategic decisions

decision support system (DSS)

helps managers make decisions using interactive computer models that describe real-world processes. The DSS also uses data from the internal database but looks for specific data that relate to the problems at hand

local area network (LAN)

lets people at one site exchange data and share the use of hardware and software from a variety of computer manufacturers. LANs offer companies a more cost-effective way to link computers than linking terminals to a mainframe computer

server

manages network resources or performs special tasks such as storing files, managing one or more printers, or processing database queries. Any user on the network can access the server's capabilities

Managed service providers (MSPs)

represent the next generation of ASPs, offering greater customization and expanded capabilities that include business processes and complete management of the network servers

enterprise resource planning (ERP)

systems that bring together human resources, operations, and technology are becoming an integral part of business strategy

client

the application that runs on a personal computer or workstation

Wireless LANs (WLAN)

transmit data at one site offer an alternative to traditional wired systems.