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Questions and Answers
What is a primary advantage of purchasing computer hardware compared to using cloud services?
When evaluating whether to purchase hardware or use cloud services, which factor is considered a disadvantage of buying hardware?
Which of the following is a benefit of using cloud services over owning hardware?
What is a common risk associated with using cloud services?
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During a hardware needs assessment, what is an essential criterion to evaluate before making a purchasing decision?
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What is the primary consideration when evaluating hardware for purchase?
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Which of the following is NOT a step in determining hardware and software needs?
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When evaluating hardware for purchase, who is included in the evaluation process?
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What is a common disadvantage of purchasing hardware?
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Which of the following is a service typically offered by cloud services?
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What is a key advantage of creating custom software?
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What aspect is evaluated to determine the efficiency of a system's performance?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of purchasing COTS packages?
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Which factor should be assessed during inventorying computer hardware?
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Why might an organization choose SaaS over traditional software solutions?
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What is a potential benefit of renting cloud services instead of purchasing hardware?
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What performance criterion focuses on the satisfaction of users while carrying out tasks?
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One of the disadvantages of using SaaS is typically:
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What factor can significantly influence the decision to create custom software?
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When evaluating hardware purchasing options, which of the following is NOT a typical performance criterion?
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What is one primary concern for organizations when adopting SaaS solutions?
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Study Notes
Purchasing Hardware vs. Cloud Services
- Buying Computer Hardware: Provides full control over hardware and software; potentially cheaper in the long run with tax advantages; but requires upfront cost, carries obsolescence risk, and places full responsibility for operation and maintenance on the company.
- Using Cloud Services: Offers maintenance and upgrades handled by the provider, allows rapid software and hardware changes, and is scalable; however, data security and reliability depend on the internet platform, and proprietary APIs may make switching providers difficult.
Evaluating Vendor Support
- Hardware support
- Software support
- Installation and training support
- Maintenance support
Ascertaining Hardware and Software Needs
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Steps to determine hardware and software needs:
- Inventory existing hardware
- Estimate current and future workloads
- Evaluate available hardware and software
- Choose a vendor
- Acquire the computer equipment
Inventorying Computer Hardware
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Factors to consider when inventorying computer hardware:
- Type of equipment
- Operation status
- Estimated age
- Projected life
- Physical location
- Responsible department or person
- Financial arrangement
Acquisition of Computer Equipment
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Two methods of acquisition:
- Purchasing
- Using cloud services
Evaluating Hardware for Purchase
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Parties involved:
- Management
- Users
- Systems analysts
- Information Review: Vendor information should be reviewed with management and users.
- Workloads: Simulated workloads can be run on different systems for benchmarking.
Evaluating Hardware for Purchase
-
Performance metrics to consider:
- Time for average transactions
- Total volume capacity
- CPU and network idle time
- Memory size
Advantages of Purchasing Hardware
- Control: Full control over type of hardware and software.
- Flexibility: Company decides when to purchase and replace equipment.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often cheaper in the long run.
- Tax Advantages: Some countries offer tax benefits.
Disadvantages of Purchasing Hardware
- High Initial Cost: Requires a large upfront investment.
- Obsolescence Risk: Risk of equipment becoming outdated.
- Responsibility: Full responsibility for operation and maintenance.
Renting Time and Space in the Cloud
-
Available cloud services:
- Web hosting
- Email hosting
- Application hosting
- Backup
- Data storage and processing
- Archiving
- Ecommerce
Creating Custom Software
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Advantages:
- Tailored to specific business needs.
- Innovation can provide competitive edge.
- In-house staff can maintain software.
- Pride of ownership.
-
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost compared to COTS or ASP.
- Requires development team.
- Ongoing maintenance required.
Purchasing COTS Packages
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Advantages:
- Refined for commercial use.
- Increased reliability and functionality.
- Often lower initial cost.
- Already used by other firms.
- Help and training included.
-
Disadvantages:
- Programming-focused, not business-focused.
- Limited customization.
- Financial future of vendor may be uncertain.
- Less ownership and commitment.
Using SaaS (Software as a Service)
-
Advantages:
- Organizations can focus on their core mission.
- No need for large IT staff.
- Eliminates non-essential IT tasks.
-
Disadvantages:
- Loss of control over data, systems, and IT staff.
- Concerns about SaaS provider's financial viability and security.
- Potential loss of innovative advantage.
Software Evaluation
-
Evaluation criteria:
- Performance effectiveness
- Performance efficiency
- Ease of use
- Flexibility
- Documentation quality
- Manufacturer support
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Description
This quiz explores the key differences between purchasing computer hardware and utilizing cloud services. It covers various aspects such as cost, maintenance, vendor support, and evaluating specific hardware and software needs for companies. Test your understanding of these important considerations in the IT landscape.
