1. Computers Are Your Future
© 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

2. Computers Are Your Future
Chapter 14
Enterprise Computing
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3. What You Will Learn About
Enterprise computing
Business processes and their flow within an organization
Information systems that are managed in a centralized vs. distributed manner
The tools that are commonly used in enterprise computing
Enterprise storage systems
Electronic data interchange
Teleconferencing
Telecommuting and workgroup commuting
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4. Enterprise Computing An enterprise is a business organization
Enterprise computing is the use of technology, information systems, and computers within a business
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5. Business Processes and Activities
Business processes are activities that have an identifiable output and add value to an organization’s customers
Information systems are used to give a business a competitive advantage
Partners
Employees
Information
Suppliers
Customer
Enterprise
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6. Enterprise Systems
Enterprise systems are information systems that allow companies to integrate information across operations on an organization-wide basis
Enterprise systems:
Provide a common information storage area available to all corporate users
Help companies find ways to increase goods and services, customer satisfaction, and profitability
Are composed of hardware, software, people, and procedures
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7. Enterprise Systems
Globalization refers to conducting business internationally where the transaction of goods and services is transparent to the consumer
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8. Centralized vs. Distributed Structures
Centralized structures are managed by a central IT department
Each network entity contains the same software and configuration settings
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9. Centralized vs. Distributed Structures
Distributed structures enable each user to customize their technology tools
Each network entity contains its own software and configuration settings
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10. Business Processing Reengineering (BPR)
Business processing reengineering is the use of information technology to bring about major changes and cost savings in an organization
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11. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Currency:
All technology in an organization is more or less current
Technology users have a certain comfort level in using the technology
Tension exists between the current system and the most current technology available
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12. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Upgrading:
Things to consider when upgrading technology:
Impact on the user
Will hardware need to be upgraded?
Cost of the upgrade
Centralized structures are easier and less costly to upgrade than distributed structures
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13. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Maintenance:
Centralized structures are easier and less costly to maintain than distributed structures
Users must be trained to use the new technology
Scalability:
How well a hardware or software system can adapt to increased demands
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14. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Interoperability:
The ability of software and hardware from different vendors to share data
All computers on a network can interact seamlessly
Disaster Recovery
A disaster recover plan is a written plan with detailed instructions if something goes wrong
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15. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Adding Workstations and Applications:
Problems can occur as new workstations and applications are added
Single point of failure (SPOF) is when a failure will cause a malfunction in an entire system
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16. Applying Technology in the Enterprise
Adding a Network:
Zero configuration (Zeroconf) is a method used to network devices without requiring configuration
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17. Tools for Enterprise Computing
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP):
Software that integrates all facets of a business
Replaces standalone computer systems with a single unified software program
Drawbacks of ERP systems:
One department impacts every department in the organization
Resistance to change
Cost and time in implementing the system may be prohibitive
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18. Tools for Enterprise Computing
Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
Software application that includes all interaction between a company and its customers
Computerization has changed the way organizations manage their customers; more of the relationship is being managed electronically
Sales Force Automation (SFA):
Technique of using software to automate sales tasks
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19. Tools for Enterprise Computing
Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):
An XML-based specification for publishing the financial information of an enterprise
XML data tags are based on standardized accounting definitions
Application Service Providers (ASP):
Third-party entities that manage and distribute software-based services
Enterprises can outsource their information technology needs
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20. Tools for Enterprise Computing
Operational Support System (OSS):
A suite of programs that enable an enterprise to monitor, analyze, and manage a network system
Enterprise Application Integration (EAI):
A combination of processes, software, standards, and hardware that integrates two or more enterprise systems
Enables sharing of data
Four categories of EAI:
Database linking
Applications linking
Data warehousing
Common virtual system
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21. Enterprise Storage Systems
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID):
Two or more disk drives used in combination for fault tolerance and performance
All information is recorded on both disk drives
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22. Enterprise Storage Systems
CD/DVD Jukeboxes:
Enable storing, managing, accessing, and sharing DVD-ROMs and CDs
Network-Attached Storage (NAS):
Server dedicated to file sharing
Provides data to the user
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23. Enterprise Storage Systems
Storage Area Network (SAN):
High-speed subnetwork of shared storage devices
All storage devices are made available to all servers
Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
High performance devices for data and file sharing
Only supplies data to users
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24. Enterprisewide Technologies
Web Portals:
Web sites that offer an array of resources and services
AOL was one of the first portals
The centralized management areas help create consistent business processes
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI):
Involves the transfer of data between different companies using networks
Used as a mechanism for companies to buy, sell, and trade information
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25. Enterprisewide Technologies
Intranet:
A network based on TCP/IP protocols accessible only by an organization’s members
Used to share information
Web-based training (WBT) provides training and/or instruction for employees by way of the Internet or an intranet
Computer-based training (CBT) is a type of education in which the student learns by taking special training programs on a computer
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26. Enterprisewide Technologies
Extranet:
Intranet that is accessible to authorized outsiders
Allows business partners to share information
Virtual Private Network (VPN):
Network constructed by using public wires to connect nodes
Encryption and security measures ensure only authorized users can access the network
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27. Enterprisewide Technologies
Computer-based training (CBT) form of computer-based education that uses multimedia, animation, and programmed learning
Web-based training (WBT) is CBT using the Internet or an intranet
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28. Enterprisewide Technologies
Teleconferencing – two or more people use telecommunication and computers to conduct business activities
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29. Enterprisewide Technologies
Telecommuting – connecting to the office using telecommunications and computers from home
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30. Enterprisewide Technologies
Workgroup computing – members of a workgroup have specific hardware and software that enables them to connect, communicate, and collaborate
Software that provides support for the information needs of work groups is called groupware
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31. Chapter 14 Summary
Enterprise computing is the use of technology, information systems, and computers within an organization or business
Business processes are activities that have an identifiable output and add value to an organization’s customers
In a centralized structure, the management of technology is centered in the IT department
© 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc

32. Chapter 14 Summary (continued)
Tools commonly used in enterprise computing include:
Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Sales force automation (SFA)
Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)
Application service providers (ASPs)
Operational support systems (OSS)
Enterprise application integration (EAI)
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) employs two or more drives in combination for fault tolerance and performance
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33. Chapter 14 Summary (continued)
Electronic data exchange is a set of standards that specify how to transfer data and documents using networks
Teleconferencing is conducting business by more than two people separated by distance
An employee who works from home while connected to a business is telecommuting
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