Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of IT infrastructure?
Which era of IT infrastructure is characterized by the introduction of personal computers?
What does the term 'service platform' perspective refer to in IT infrastructure?
In which IT infrastructure era was the processing work divided between desktop clients and servers?
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What significant hardware did IBM first introduce in 1958?
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Which advancement in IT infrastructure allows for more complex and scalable networking?
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Which service is not typically included in the IT infrastructure framework?
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During which decade did personal computers proliferate significantly?
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What is a key characteristic of the general-purpose mainframe and minicomputer era?
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Which of the following does NOT fall under the set of firm-wide services mentioned in IT infrastructure?
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Study Notes
Evolution of IT and Communication Cost
- The Internet population growth is driven by declining Internet connection costs and communication expenses.
- Since 1995, the cost per kilobit of Internet access has decreased exponentially, with DSL and cable modems providing communication below one cent per kilobit.
Evolution of IT and Ethical Issues
- Significant technology trends pose ethical dilemmas, including:
- Increased reliance on computer systems for critical operations due to the doubling of computer power.
- A drastic reduction in data storage costs allowing detailed databases on individuals.
- Advances in networking and Internet, facilitating data copying and remote access.
Advances in Data Analysis Techniques
- Profiling involves merging data from various sources to create comprehensive dossiers on individuals.
- Nonobvious relationship awareness (NORA) techniques uncover hidden connections, potentially useful for identifying criminals or terrorists.
NORA Technology Applications
- NORA technology can analyze disparate sources of information to identify obscure relationships, highlighting potential risks (e.g., job applicants connected to known criminals).
IT Infrastructure Components
- IT infrastructure comprises seven main components:
- Computer hardware platforms
- Operating system platforms
- Enterprise software applications
- Data management and storage
- Networking/telecommunications platforms
- Internet platforms
- Consulting system integration
Definition of IT Infrastructure
- IT infrastructure consists of physical devices and software necessary for enterprise operations, including:
- Computing services
- Telecommunications services
- Data management services
- Application software services
- Educational and additional services
- Viewing IT infrastructure from a "service platform" perspective provides a clearer understanding of investment value.
Evolution of IT Infrastructure Stages
- General-purpose mainframe and minicomputer era (1959 - present):
- 1958: Introduction of IBM's first mainframes.
- 1965: Launch of affordable DEC minicomputers.
- Personal computer era (1981 - present):
- 1981: Launch of the IBM PC leading to widespread adoption and growth of personal software in the 80s and 90s.
- Client/server era (1983 - present):
- Engages desktop clients that connect to servers, distributing processing tasks between them.
- Networks can be organized in two-tier or multitier (N-tiered) architectures.
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Description
Explore the evolution of IT infrastructure and emerging technologies in Chapter 5 of Management Information Systems. This quiz delves into the dramatic reduction in communication costs and its impact on Internet growth since 1995. Test your understanding of the factors driving these changes.
