Foundations of information systems system Software 2 Foundations of information systems system Software Chapter BIS 1202

Learning Objectives Describe several important trends occurring in computer software. Give examples of major types of application and system software. Explain the purpose of several popular software packages for end user productivity and collaborative computing. Define and describe the functions of an operating system. Describe the main uses of computer programming software, tools, and languages. BIS1202

System Software Outline Application Software Systems Software Operating Systems BIS1202

Case 1: Microsoft is looking at how companies do business Microsoft has started focusing on different industries and writing software products to support them Examples, financial services, communications, government, education, automotive, retail and hospitality, health care, manufacturing, media Vertical segments: a specific industry Accelerators: software add-ons aimed at business processes common to a given industry Software layers: software that serves the needs of a broad base of companies in a particular sector inserted into enterprise applications BIS1202

Case Study Questions A common phrase among IT professionals is “The world views its data through Windows.” Why does Microsoft dominate the desktop and networked software market? Visit its website at www.microsoft.com, and review its broad range of software products and services to help with your answer. How successful will Microsoft be in competing with software vendors who specialize in specific market applications like health care, retail and other specialty services? Why? BIS1202

Case Study Questions Do you agree with Microsoft’s strategy to develop industry-specific partners to capitalize on opportunities in both large and small business sectors? Is there an advantage or a disadvantage to being one of Microsoft’s partners in this type of relationship? Explain. BIS1202

Real World Internet Activity Industry-specific software applications are everywhere. Despite this, many industries still do not have a wide variety of software applications to meet their needs. Using the Internet, See if you can find one example of an industry that has a wide variety of vertical applications, One industry that does not have a variety of software solutions to choose from. BIS1202

Real World Group Activity Using the industries who do not have a wide variety of support applications that you found from the first activity, in small groups, Discuss what types of applications would be valuable to your industries. Why do you think the applications you came up with have not been developed? BIS1202

Types of software by function BIS1202

Software types Application software System software Performs information processing tasks for end users System software Manages and supports operations of computer systems and networks BIS1202

Software classifications by development Classify based on how it was developed Custom software / bespoke Software applications that are developed within an organization for use by that organization COTS software Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) Software developed with the intention of selling the software in multiple copies Why would you choose Custom over COTS? Why would you choose COTS over Custom? Custom software: organization has full control on specifications, functionality, ownership COTS: generally no control Software is sold, leased or licensed BIS1202

Software classifications by user Personal Workgroup Two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal enterprise BIS1202

A. Application Software Gives users the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks Interact with systems software Systems software then directs the hardware to perform tasks BIS1202

Application Software General purpose Application-specific Programs that perform common information processing jobs for end users E.g., word processing, spreadsheet, etc. Also called productivity packages Application-specific Programs that support specific applications of end users E.g., electronic commerce, customer relationship management, etc. BIS1202

Types (by Functions) of Application Software Proprietary software / bespoke soft ware One-of-a-kind program for a specific application Off-the-shelf software Existing software program that can be purchased Application service provider (ASP) Provides the software, support, and computer hardware on which to run the software Software as a service (SaaS) Businesses subscribe to Web-delivered business application software by paying a monthly service charge or a per-use fee BIS1202

Types and Functions of Application Software (continued) BIS1202

Types and Functions of Application Software (continued) BIS1202

a) Personal Application Software Word Processing Spreadsheet Analysis Database Applications Graphics Programs Personal Information Managers Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages BIS1202

Personal Application Software (continued) BIS1202

b) Workgroup Application Software Designed to support teamwork Groupware Helps groups of people work together effectively BIS1202

Workgroup Application Software (continued) BIS1202

c) Enterprise Application Software Software that benefits an entire organization Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software Programs that manage a company’s vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization as one. BIS1202

Enterprise Application Software (continued) BIS1202

Application Software for Information, Decision Support, and Specialized Purposes Available in every industry Example: Genetic researchers are using software to visualize and analyze the human genome BIS1202

Software Suites BIS1202

Software Suites Software suites integrate software packages Advantages: Cost less than buying individual packages All have a similar GUI Work together well Disadvantages Features not used by all users Take a lot of disk space BIS1202

Web Browser Software applications that support navigation through the point-and-click resources of the Web Surfing the web Becoming a universal software platform for Internet- based applications Microsoft Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Firefox, Opera or Mozilla BIS1202

E-mail, Instant Messaging and Weblogs Software to communicate by sending and receiving messages and attachments via the Internet, intranet or extranet Instant messaging (IM) Receive electronic messages instantly Weblog or blog A personal website in dated log format Updated with new information about a subject or range of subjects BIS1202

Word processing and Desktop publishing Create, edit, revise and print documents E.g., Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro and Corel WordPerfect Desktop Publishing Produce printed materials that look professionally published E.g., Adobe PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher and QuarkXPress BIS1202

Electronic Spreadsheets and Presentation Graphics Worksheet of rows and columns Used for calculations and charts E.g., Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, Corel QuattroPro Presentation Graphics Convert numeric data into graphics displays Prepare multimedia presentations including graphics, photos, animation, and video clips E.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance, Corel Presentations BIS1202

Personal Information Manager and Groupware Personal Information Manager (PIM) Software for end user productivity and collaboration Store information about clients, schedules, manage appointments, manage tasks E.g., Lotus Organizer, Microsoft Outlook Groupware Software that helps workgroups collaborate on group assignments E-mail, discussion groups, databases, videoconferencing E.g., Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise, Microsoft Exchange BIS1202

Software alternatives Outsourcing development and maintenance of software Application service providers (ASPs) Companies that own, operate and maintain application software and computer system resources Use the application for a fee over the Internet Pay-as-you-go BIS1202

Software Licensing All software (COTS, ASP) is licensed You don’t buy software: you buy a license to use the software under the terms of the licensing agreement Licensed to protect the vendor’s property rights BIS1202

Case 2: Open-Source Software – assignment 1 for BIS-2010 evening. Also referred to as free software Software can be modified Typically acquired with a license License grant you the right to run the software, own the source code, modify the source code and distribute copies of the software Free but have to pay for training, support, documentation Examples: Linux, Apache Web server, Sendmail, Perl scripting language BIS1202

Case Study Questions What are the business benefits of adopting open- source software? What are the risks associated with open-source software? How can these risks be addressed? Do you see open-source software eventually replacing the current proprietary software model? Explain your answer. BIS1202

Real World Internet Activity A wide variety of organizations have been formed to advance the open-source initiative. Using the Internet, See if you can find information on these open-source advocate organizations. A good place to start is www.opensource.org BIS1202

Real World Group Activity – Group work for discussion Supporters as well as detractors of open-source operating systems such as Linux are quite passionate about their feelings. In small groups, Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-source applications. If any of your classmates have experience with systems such as Linux, ask them to explain their feelings and experiences. BIS1202

B. Systems Software Definition: Critical function of systems software a type of computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide and maintain a platform for running application software. Critical function of systems software Controlling operations of computer hardware Supports the application programs’ problem-solving capabilities BIS1202

System software Software that manages and supports a computer system System management programs Programs that manage hardware, software, network, and data resources E.g., operating systems, network management programs, database management systems, systems utilities Systems development programs Programs that help users develop information system programs BIS1202

Operating System Integrated system of programs that Manages the operations of the CPU Controls the input/output and storage resources and activities of the computer system Provides support services as computer executes applications programs BIS1202

Operating System basic functions BIS1202

User Interface Part of the operating system that allows you to communicate with it Three main types: Command-driven Menu-driven Graphical user interfaces (GUI) The trend is to GUI interfaces. BIS1202

Resource management Part of operating system that manages the hardware and networking resources of a computer system Includes CPU, memory, secondary storage device, telecommunications, and input/output peripherals Virtual memory Swapping parts of programs and data between memory and magnetic disks BIS1202

File management Part of the operating system that controls the creation, deletion, and access of files of data and programs BIS1202

Task Management Part of the operating system that manages the accomplishment of computing tasks of the end users Multitasking Task management approach that allows for several tasks to be performed in a seemingly simultaneous fashion Assigns only one task to CPU but switches between tasks so quickly looks like executing all programs at once Also called multiprogramming or time-sharing BIS1202

Popular Operating Systems Windows GUI, multitasking, networking, multimedia Microsoft’s operating system Different versions manage servers Unix Multitasking, multiuser, network-managing Portable – can run on mainframes, midrange and PCs Linux Low-cost, powerful reliable Unix-like operating system Open-source MAC OS X Apple operating system for the iMac GUI, multitasking, multimedia BIS1202

Systems Software Types of systems software Operating System (OS) Utility Software Device Drivers Programming languages BIS1202

B1. Operating Systems Combinations of OSs, computers, and users Single computer with a single user Single computer with multiple users Multiple computers Special-purpose computers BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) Activities performed by the operating system include: Perform common computer hardware functions Provide a user interface and input/output management Provide a degree of hardware independence Manage system memory BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) Common hardware functions OS acts as an intermediary between the application and the hardware User interface and input/output management User interface allows people to access and command the computer system Hardware independence Programmers can use APIs to create application software API –Application Programming Interface is an interface implemented by a software program which enables it to interact with other software BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) Memory management OS controls how memory is accessed and maximizes available memory and storage Processing tasks Task management allocates computer resources Networking capability Computers can join together in a network to send and receive data – to share resources BIS1202

Operating Systems (continued) Access to system resources and security OS needs to provide a high level of security against unauthorized access to users’ data File management OS manages files to ensure that files in secondary storage are available when needed BIS1202

Current Operating Systems Microsoft PC operating systems Windows 7 released in 2009, less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. The OS was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible. Apple computer operating systems OSs have evolved and often provide features not available from Microsoft Linux An open-source operating system BIS1202

Current Operating Systems by user Windows 7 Windows Server 2008 R2 BIS1202

Workgroup Operating Systems Definition: A workgroup OS is one that allows a collection of individuals to work together on a task. Examples Server 2008 R2 Windows Server UNIX NetWare Red Hat Linux Mac OS X Server BIS1202

Enterprise Operating Systems Definition: this is an OS that allows an organization to work as 1 regardless of the number of departments. Examples : z/OS IBM’s first 64-bit enterprise OS HP-UX and Linux Robust UNIX-based OS Supports Internet database BIS1202

Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, and Special-Purpose Devices Palm OS Operating system used in over 30 million handheld computers and smart phones Windows Embedded Family of Microsoft OSs embedded into small computer devices Windows Mobile Operating system designed for smartphones and PDAs BIS1202

B2. Utility Programs Miscellaneous housekeeping functions Example, Norton utilities includes data backup, virus protection, data compression, etc. Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system Help to secure and safeguard data BIS1202

Utility Programs (continued) BIS1202

B3. Device Drivers Definition: a device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to interact with a hardware device. The function of a device driver is to allow the communication between the computer operating system and the device attached to it. Read more: Device Driver Examples | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5345205_device-driver- examples.html#ixzz0wnoOj6L6 BIS1202

B4. Programming Languages Sets of symbols and rules used to write program code Programming Translating what a user wants into instructions that the computer can understand and execute BIS1202

Programming Languages (continued) BIS1202

Programming Languages BIS1202

Language Translators Definition: It is also called a compiler. A computer program which transforms source code into object code Language Translators convert information from the human language to machine language which is the binary format. It is also called a compiler. Use the internet and various text books to get examples and read further BIS1202

Language Translators Definition: It is also called a compiler. A computer program which transforms source code into object code Language Translators convert information from the human language to machine language which is the binary format. It is also called a compiler. Use the internet and various text books to get examples and read further BIS1202

Language Translator Programs Translate instructions written in programming languages into machine language Assembler translates assembler language statements Compiler translates high-level language statements Interpreter compiler that translates and executes each statement in a program one at a time Java is interpreted Assemblers and Compilers translate an entire program at once. Java applets can be interpreted and executed on-the-fly BIS1202

Programming Tools Help programmers identify and minimize errors while they are programming Graphical Programming Interfaces Programming Editors Debuggers CASE tools A combination of many programming tools into a single application with a common interface Used in different stages of the systems development process BIS1202

Machine Languages First-generation languages All program instructions had to be written using binary codes unique to each computer Programmers had to know the internal operations of the specific type of CPU BIS1202

Assembler Languages Second-generation languages Symbols are used to represent operation codes and storage locations Need language translator programs to convert the instructions into machine instructions Used by systems programmers (who program system software) BIS1202

High-Level Languages Third-generation languages Instructions that use brief statements or arithmetic expressions Macroinstructions: each statement generates several machine instructions when translated by compilers or interpreters Easier to learn than assembler Machine independent Less efficient than assembler BIS1202

Fourth-Generation Languages Variety of programming languages that are nonprocedural and conversational Nonprocedural – users specify results they want while computer determines the sequence of instructions that will accomplish those results Natural Language – very close to English or other human language BIS1202

Object-Oriented Languages Combine data elements and the procedures that will be performed upon them into Objects E.g., an object could be data about a bank account and the procedures performed on it such as interest calculations

Object-Oriented Languages Most widely used software development languages today Easier to use and more efficient for graphics- oriented user interfaces Reusable: can use an object from one application in another application E.g., Visual Basic, C++, Java BIS1202

Web Languages HTML A page description language that creates hypertext documents for the Web XML Describes the contents of Web pages by applying identifying tags or contextual labels to the data in Web documents Java Object-oriented programming language that is simple, secure and platform independent Java applets can be executed on any computer J2EE - Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition - AllowS cross-platform communication, J2EE was created to simplify... BIS1202

J2EE versus .Net Programming support for Web services BIS1202

Other types of system software BIS1202

Other system software Performance monitors Security monitors Programs that monitor and adjust computer system to keep them running efficiently Security monitors Programs that monitor and control use of computer systems to prevent unauthorized use of resources BIS1202

Application servers Provide an interface between an operating system and the application programs of users Middleware Software that helps diverse software applications exchange data and work together more efficiently BIS1202

Web Services Software components based on a framework of Web and object-oriented standards and technologies for using the Web to electronically link the applications of different users and different computing platforms BIS1202

How web services work BIS1202 Source: Adapted from Bala Iyer, Jim Freedman, Mark Gaynor and George Wyner, “Web Services: Enabling Dynamic Business Networks,” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, Volume11, 2003, p. 543. BIS1202

Case 3: Amazon and eBay New Face of Web Services Amazon provides access to some of its data and website functionality eBay opened up e-commerce software Opened to programmers and any company interested in e-commerce BIS1202

Case Study Questions What are the purpose and business value of Web services? What are the benefits of Web services to Amazon, eBay, and their developer partners? What are the business challenges of Web services? Visit the Web services websites of IBM (www.ibm.com/solutions/webservices) and Microsoft (www.microsoft.com/webservices) to help with your answer. BIS1202

Real World Internet Activity The concept of Web services and the opportunities they provide are growing everyday. Using the Internet, See if you can find ways in which companies are using Web services beyond those listed in the case. BIS1202

Real World Group Activity Being able to integrate one organization’s website with another’s poses some interesting questions of privacy, intellectual property protection and technical challenges. In small groups, Discuss privacy, intellectual property protection and technical challenges issues. Do you think there is any risk associated with this type of cooperation? BIS1202

Software Issues and Trends Software bugs Copyrights and licenses Global software support BIS1202

Software Bugs Defects in a computer program that keeps it from performing as it is designed to perform Tips for reducing impact of software Register all software so that you can receive bug alerts, fixes, and patches Check the manual or read-me files for work-arounds Access support area of the manufacturer’s Web site for patches Install the latest software updates BIS1202

Copyrights and Licenses Most software products Protected by law using copyright or licensing provisions Some software Require that you register or activate it before it can be fully used BIS1202

Software Upgrades Software companies Software upgrades Periodically revise their programs and sell new versions Software upgrades Usually cost much less than the original purchase price BIS1202

Global Software Support Supporting local operations Biggest challenge faced by IS teams when putting together standardized, companywide systems In today’s computer systems Software is an increasingly critical component BIS1202

Considerations in Purchasing Software BIS1202

Summary (continued) Application software Operating system (OS) Applies the power of the computer to solve problems and perform specific tasks Operating system (OS) Set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware to support users’ computing needs Approaches to developing application software Build proprietary application software Buy existing programs off the shelf Combination of customized and off-the-shelf BIS1202

THE END BIS1202

The next topic is Database Systems & Business Intelligence BIS1202