Business Information Systems Overview

Computer System Components

• A system is an interconnected set of elements that works together to achieve specific goals, involving inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback.
• A Business Information System (BIS) includes components collaborating to handle input, processing, output, storage, and control actions to transform data into actionable information for organizational activities.

Importance of Hardware and Software

• Proper selection of hardware and software is crucial for supporting organizational needs and improving information systems.
• Key benefits of investing in hardware and software include:
  • Enhanced worker productivity
  • Improved collaboration
  • Cost reduction
  • Revenue increase
  • Faster time-to-market
  • Superior customer service

Managerial Expectations

• Managers should define business needs and evaluate hardware/software options.
• Key managerial actions include assessing opportunities, evaluating features, and strategically investing based on business conditions.

Definition and Function of Hardware

• Hardware refers to the physical components involved in a computer system, enabling input, processing, output, and storage functions.
• Essential hardware components encompass:
  • Input/Output devices: Facilitate data entry and result output.
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes instructions through arithmetic, logic, and control units.
  • Primary storage (memory): Temporarily stores data and instructions.

Computer Anatomy

• Basic computer components include the CPU, memory, buses, and input/output devices, interconnected via the motherboard.
• The bus system allows various hardware components to communicate using physical connections.

Processing Techniques

• Multiprocessing: Simultaneous execution of multiple instructions.
• Parallel Processing: Conducting the same task across multiple processors for efficiency.
• Grid Computing: Multiple computers collaborate to address a shared problem, offering a cost-effective means to parallel processing that relies on a central server to distribute tasks.

Input and Output Devices

• Input and output devices serve as the user interface, enabling data entry and result retrieval.
• Selection of these devices should align with organizational business objectives.

Characteristics of Input/Output Devices

• Input devices must ensure fast and accurate data entry, while output devices need to deliver timely results.
• Data types vary, with some being human-readable and others designed for machine interpretation, such as banking magnetic ink.

Data Entry Process

• Two-step data entry involves converting human-readable data into a machine-readable format through:
  1. Data entry phase
  2. System development phase for required features.

Off-the-Shelf Software

• Advantages:
  • Lower initial costs due to shared development expenses.
  • Basic functionalities often meet business needs while ensuring high quality from prior trials.
• Disadvantages:
  • Organizations may pay for unnecessary features.
  • Software may lack critical functionalities, necessitating costly future modifications.
  • Potentially misaligns with current workflows and data standards.### Software as a Service (SaaS)
• SaaS applications are hosted by third-party providers and accessed via the Internet.
• Businesses subscribe to SaaS for web-delivered applications; notable vendors include Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, Salesforce, and Google.
• Key advantages include accessibility from any device, provider-managed upgrades and patches, lower licensing costs, and ensured service levels and availability.

Personal Application Software

• Designed for individual and business tasks, covering a range of functions such as tax preparation, web creation, photo editing, education, and entertainment.
• Types of personal software include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, project management, and financial management.

Types of Personal Application Software

• Word Processing: Tools for creating and editing documents (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs).
• Spreadsheet Software: Offers functions for financial and data calculations (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets).
• Database Software: Facilitates data storage and retrieval (e.g., Microsoft Access, Google Base).
• Graphics Software: Used for creating visuals and illustrations (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, OpenOffice Impress).

Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages

• Software suites combine multiple applications like word processors, spreadsheets, and databases, designed to work cohesively and economically.
• Notable software suites include Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect, G Suite, and Apple iWork.

Web-Based Productivity Software Suites

• Platforms like Google, Zoho, and Thinkfree provide free online applications for word processing and spreadsheets.
• Microsoft Office 365 offers traditional office features over the internet, leveraging cloud technology.

Mobile Application Software

• Massive growth in mobile apps, with hundreds of thousands created for platforms such as iPhone and Android.
• Microsoft and other tech companies are significantly investing in mobile software development.

Mobile Application Categories

• Books and Reference: Access e-books and reference materials.
• Business and Finance: Tools for expense tracking and stock trading.
• Entertainment: Apps for movies, music, and nightlife information.
• Games: Diverse game offerings, from classic 2D to modern 3D experiences.
• Health and Fitness: Apps for tracking workouts and monitoring health metrics.

Workgroup Application Software

• Designed to enhance teamwork, either locally or globally.
• Groupware, or collaborative software, aids in effective group collaboration, typically offered as web-based solutions.

Enterprise Application Software

• Designed to provide comprehensive support to entire organizations.
• Important factors in selection include total cost, ease of installation, training/support needs, integration capabilities, and mobile device usability.

Application Software for Transaction Processing and Business Analytics

• Widely used across industries for functions such as learning management systems, genomic analysis, and resource planning.

Software Issues and Trends

• Common software challenges include bugs, copyright concerns, licensing issues, and the need for frequent upgrades.
• Software bugs are defects hindering functionality; reducing impacts involves updating and following manufacturer guidance.

Copyrights and Licenses

• Software is typically protected under copyright or licensing laws.
• Licensing structures vary, allowing unlimited use on selected devices or charging based on usage.
• Registration or activation may be required for full software functionality.

Software Licenses

• The End User License Agreement (EULA) outlines usage terms between the manufacturer and the user.
• License types include single-user, individual/multi-user, and network/multi-user licenses.
• A single-user license permits installation on one computer, limiting access to a single user without network sharing.

This quiz covers key concepts related to Business Information Systems, including the importance of hardware and software. It highlights how these components work together to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall organizational performance. Managers' roles in evaluating and selecting appropriate technology are also discussed.