EIS Component 4: Software in Enterprise Information Systems PDF

EIS Component 4: Software in Enterprise Information Systems =========================================================== \>\> Introduction ----------------- The fourth crucial component of an organization's Enterprise Information System is Software. Unlike the other components we\'ve discussed, yo...

EIS Component 4: Software in Enterprise Information Systems =========================================================== \>\> Introduction ----------------- The fourth crucial component of an organization's Enterprise Information System is Software. Unlike the other components we\'ve discussed, you\'ll find that the definition of software in an EIS is fairly uniform across organizations. \>\> Defining Software ---------------------- At its core, software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It\'s the intangible counterpart to hardware. You can't touch it, but it's there to tell the hardware what to do. In fact, software tells the hardware WHAT to do, HOW to do it, and WHEN to do it. In essence, if hardware is the body of a computer system, software is its brain and nervous system. Software is divided into two main categories: **SYSTEM Software** and **AppliCATION Software.** The main difference between these two is that system software runs in the background, managing and supporting the basic functions of the computer, while application software interacts directly with users to help them perform specific tasks. Let\'s break these down in more detail: \>\> System Software -------------------- System software is the foundation of any computer system. It manages the computer\'s core operations and provides the platform for OTHER software to run on. Think of it as the middleman between the HARDWARE and the apps that you actually USE, like Word or Excel. - At the lowest level, directly based on the hardware itself, is the FIRMware. This is system software that is permanently stored on the chips or mother boards of your device. It is used to regulate the most basic functions by turning elements of the hardware either "on" or "off". You may have seen the word "BIOS" show up when you're booting a computer. THAT would be an example of Firmware. - On the next level, we find the "Protocols" of your System Software. We discussed protocols more generally earlier. In the specific case of SYSTEM Software, the protocols are a set of rules that regulate how data is transmitted between devices or networks. Examples of such protocols that you've probably seen before are HTTP, FTP, POP, and IMAP. - Next up are the "Programming Language Translators". This type of Systems Software translates code written in ONE programming language into a DIFFERENT programming language that a computer can understand and execute. When you hear your IT people talk about "comPIlers", "interpreters", or "assemblers", these are each very common examples of Programming Language Translators. - - - "Middleware" is System Software that lets an Operating System communicate with a database or with different apps. Examples are web servers, application servers, and database management systems. - \>\> Application Software ------------------------- Without all these types of System Software providing the fundament, Application software, or \"apps\", would not be able to run. Unlike System Software, Apps focus primarily on the USER -- on YOU -- to help you perform the various tasks you turned your digital device on for in the FIRST place. Application software can be divided into four categories: productivity software, multimedia software, enterprise software, and communication software. - Productivity software includes tools like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation programs that we use to CREATE, EDIT, and MANAGE documents and data. - MultiMEDIA software includes the apps we use to CREATE, EDIT and HEAR OR SEE audio, video, and graphics. Examples are photo editors, video players, music production tools, and computer-aided design software. - Enterprise software -- or "business software" is specifically designed for organizations in order to help them manage their resources, processes, and data more efficiently. Typical examples are Enterprise Resource Planning Software, Supply Chain Management Software, Business Process Management Software, Customer Relationship Management software, Human Resources Management Software and Business Intelligence tools. - Lastly, Communication Software allows users to interact with each other. This category includes email clients, instant messaging apps, video conferencing platforms, and social media applications, to name a few. Perhaps it goes without saying, but software is the lifeblood of any Enterprise Information System. It\'s what transforms raw data into useful information, enables communication and collaboration across the organization, and automates complex business processes. In an EIS context, software plays several critical roles: 1. Data Management -- Software systems store, retrieve, and analyze vast amounts of business data. 2. Process Automation -- Many routine business processes can be automated through software, increasing efficiency and reducing errors. 3. Decision Support -- Business intelligence and analytics software help managers make informed decisions based on data. 4. Communication and Collaboration -- Software enables seamless communication and collaboration across departments and even across different geographic locations. 5. Customer Relationship Management -- CRM software helps businesses manage interactions with customers and improve customer satisfaction. 6. Resource Planning -- ERP systems help businesses manage and integrate important parts of their operations.