A network topology refers to the layout of the computers and devices in a communications network. Network topologies also may be physical or logical. Physical topology means the physical design of a network including design of a network including the devices, location and cable installation. Logical topology refers to how data is actually transferred in a network as opposed to its physical design. Now lets see in detail diffrent types network topologies. Types of Network Topologies The term Topology refers to a connected layout of devices shared in a network. Now we shall go ahead in the discussion of the standard Topologies from the computer networking. An imagination of the shape of the network or the structure of virtual architecture is considered to be the topology. The structure or the shape is not mandatory to implement the exact physical layout of the present devices in the network. For instance the Continue reading
Information Systems Basics
IT Tools and Technologies for Managers
1. Customer-Focused e-Business A key strategy by managers for becoming a successful e-business is to maximize customer value. This strategic focus on customer value recognizes that quality rather than price becomes the primary determinant in a customer’s perception of value. A Customer-Focused e-business, then, is one that uses Internet technologies to keep customer loyal by anticipating their future needs, responding to concerns, and providing top quality customer service. Such technologies like intranets, the Internet, and extranet websites create new channels for interactive communications within a company, with customers, and with suppliers, business partners, and others in the external business environment. Thereby, encouraging cross-functional collaboration with customers in product development, marketing, delivery, service and technical support. A successful Customer-Focused e-business attempts to ‘own’ the customer’s total business experience through such approaches as: Letting the customer place orders directly, and through distribution partners Building a customer database that captures customers’ Continue reading
Transaction Process System – Activities, Objectives and Characteristics
Transaction processing system (TPS), an information system (IS) mostly used by managers in operational management to record internal transactions, economic events that occur within an organization and external transactions where the business event took place outside the organization to make operational decision. TPS supports different tasks by setting a set of rules and guidelines that specify the ways to capture or collect, process and store any transaction in a form of data or information. Transaction Process System Activities Processing business transactions was the first application of computer of most firms. Since the 1950s, Transaction processing system (TPS) have evolved from slow, manual systems to advanced computerized system. TPS, a cross-functional information system were among the earliest computerized systems developed to record, process, validate, and store business for future use or retrieval. Transactions are the economic events or exchange between two or more business entities. Basically, TPS is an organized collection Continue reading
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Standards and Specifications
Electronic Data Interchange Standards Generally speaking, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is considered to be a technical representation of a business conversation between two entities, either internal or external. Note, there is a perception that “EDI” consists of the entire electronic data interchange paradigm, including the transmission, message flow, document format, and software used to interpret the documents. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is considered to describe the rigorously standardized format of electronic documents. The Electronic Data Interchange standards were designed to be independent of communication and software technologies. EDI can be transmitted using any methodology agreed to by the sender and recipient. This includes a variety of technologies, including modem (asynchronous, and bisynchronous), FTP, Email, HTTP, AS1, AS2, WebSphere MQ, etc. It is important to differentiate between the EDI documents and the methods for transmitting them. While comparing the bisynchronous protocol 2400 bit/s modems, CLEO devices, and value-added networks used to Continue reading
Information Systems in Various Levels of Modern Organizations
The INFORMATION SYSTEM plays a major role in the organization by satisfying the diverse needs through a variety of systems such as Query systems, Analysis systems, Modeling systems and Decision support systems. It helps the Clerical personnel in transaction processing and answers their queries on data pertaining to transaction. It helps junior management by providing operational data for planning and control, and helps them in Decision-making. It helps the Middle management in short-term planning, target setting and controlling business functions. It helps Top management in goal setting, planning and evolving business plans and their implementation. OPERATIONAL-LEVEL SYSTEMS At the operational level are transactions processing systems through which products are designed, marketed, produced, and delivered. These systems accumulate information in databases that form the foundation for higher-level systems. In today’s leading organizations, the information systems that support various functional units-marketing, finance, production, and human resources-are integrated into what is known as Continue reading
Data Processing Methods
1. Batch Processing. Batch processing is a technique in which data to be processed or programs to be executed are collected into groups to permit convenient, efficient, and serial processing. It is the simplest form of data processing. With this method, data is entered to the information flow in large volumes, or batches. That is, the processing by computer is performed periodically, at specified time intervals (weekly, monthly, etc) when large volumes are accumulated. Daily transactions in a business establishment, for example, may be batch processed on a weekly basis. Instead of being processed periodically when a sufficient volume has been accumulated. Advantages of batch processing are: Economical when a large volume of data must be processed and The most appropriate method for those applications (e.g., payroll) where the delay caused by accumulating data into batches does not reduce the value of the information. Limitations of batch processing are: It Continue reading