Information Systems

Information Systems

Lecture 11,12,13

IT Fundamentals

(Database Management Systems)

&

(Telecommunications & Networks) By Farhan Mir

Lecture Administration• Comments on Assignment 1• Database Management Systems

– Basic Concepts– Traditional File Based Environment– Database Approach– Components of a Database System– Types of Databases– New Trends in Databases– Management Issues

Basic Concepts• Data the starting point in Information Systems• Data Management

– Data basically stored in the form of files and databases– Data Management Hierarchy

• Bit-Byte-Field-Record-File-Database

– Issues• Content• Access• Organization• Accuracy• Integrity• Security• Privacy• Cost

• Design (in the light of above issues) – User Interface

File Based Systems– Data properly identified and understood when stored in a file (e.g. Customer File,

Invoice)– In File processing, data is physically arranged/organized in files– Display Terminals Started the concept of handling data in files– Working of File based system

• Application Program & Data Files• File management software

– Issues• Multiple file usage(integrating data from 2 or more files)• Data Redundancy• Data Updation• Slow Processing

– Advantages• In-expensive• Simple to use

Database Management• The need to access data quickly• A collection of software designed to provide a complete

approach to organize and access organizational data• Flexible access• Independent Files may be utilized to generate new reports• Example of a Bank Customer asking queries regarding his

various accounts• Database Environment

– Users, Programmers, Application Programs, Database, Utility Programs

• User Interface– Example of Oracle (developer)

Advantages & Disadvantages• Advantages

– Flexibility– Faster Response– Multiple Access– Less Storage– Integrity– Overall Management

• Disadvantages– High Cost

• Initial purchase cost• Hardware Requirements• Professionals

– Complexity– Disaster & Recovery issues

Database Management for Larger Systems

• Large Database Environment– Increased Complexity– Transactional Data and Networking Needs– Experts Needed to develop and maintain the databases– Multiple Users– Security Requirements

• Database Administration– Data Administrator (what data will be stored) Vs.– Database Administrator (who actually creates & maintain

database, interacts with users & participants to evaluate needs)

• Relational Databases

Relational Databases….• Independent Tables• Relationship through primary & secondary keys• SQL

– Select– Project– Join

• Authorization• Compatibility with Existing Applications• Database Security• Data Dictionaries• Distributed Databases

New Trends in Databases

• Object Oriented– Objects – Reusability– Advance needs of Software Engineering

• Multimedia– Merchandising– Training– Education

• Image Processing • Outside Database Providers

References

• Charles Parker, Thomas Case. (2000). “Management Information Systems: Action & Strategy”. (2nd Ed). Chapter 7

• Kenneth C. Laudon & Jane P. Laudon (2001). “Management Information Systems: Managing a Digital Firm”.(7th Ed). Chapter 7

Telecommunication & Networks

• Telecommunication and Networks

• Networking Hardware & Software & Connecting Media

• Internet, Intranet and Extranet

• Internet & E-Commerce

• Electronic Communications

• Management Issues

Telecommunication & Networks• Telecommunication

– Sending of information in any form (voice,data,text,graphics) from one place to another using electronic and light-media

• Traditional stand-alone systems Vs. Inter-organizational systems.– The Need for employees to work collaboratively– Time

• Instant/quick information requests

– Geographical needs– Alliances

• EDI

– Processing Needs• Distributed Environment

– Sharing • The systems and system resources

Telecommunication & Networks• Role and Scope of Telecommunication in Business

– Organizational Collaboration– Information Exchange– Business Communication

• Formal & Informal

– E-Commerce– Tele-working Environment (an increasing trend)

• Example: System Maintenance and Disaster Recovery • Another Example: Idea Generators in Fashion Design Industry• Virtual Universities (E-Learning/ Distance Learning)

• The Need for Protocols– File Transfer– Sharing Resources

Telecommunication• Telecommunication Model

– Terminals– Telecommunication Processors– Telecommunication Channels– Computers– Control Software

• Types– LAN– WAN– Intranets/Extranets– Client/Server Networks

Networking Hardware, Software & Connecting Media

• Hardware– LAN Cards– Modems– Multiplexers– Switches– Routers– Hubs– Exchanges

• Software– O/S– Web Browsers– Middleware– Security

• Encryption

Networking Hardware, Software & Connecting Media

• Media– Cables

• Coaxial• Twisted-Pair• Fiber Optics

– Satellite– Microwave– Cellular Phone

• Topologies– Single-line– Star– Ring– Bus

Internet & E-Commerce• Internet

– Network of Networks– Expansion Rate (Web Presence & Users)– Most Common Utilization

• Communication• Data Interchange• Information Retrieval• News & Discussion Platform• And ofcourse new business horizon

• E-Commerce– E-Transactions, E-Business– Set of integrated activities

• Simply having a good website will not guarantee success

– Web Presence a key characteristics • Information regarding Organizational Products/Services• Mechanism for secure transactions

E-Commerce• Types of E-Commerce

– B2C (Business to Consumer)– B2B (Business to Business)

• Business Transformation– The Need to develop e-strategies

• Example: CRM (Customer Relation Management)

– The New Way of marketing• Interactive Marketing• One-one customer relationship

• The Need for E-Commerce– Customer Interaction– Customized services (Multiple Services through single Channel at same

time)– Bypassing traditional intermediaries

E-Commerce….• E-Commerce Essentials

– Merchant Systems• Online Shopping Mall• Payment Systems

– Wallets (online payments activities)– Live Payments– Security Checks

– Publishing Systems– Community Systems

• Memberships• Funds & Payments activities

• The Current Picture– The Bubble Burst– Failure & Success Stories– E-Commerce, is it Product/Business Sensitive?

Management Concerns• The Need for Network

– Requirement Analysis• Size of Organization and activities• Business needs

– Alliances– Geographical operations– Integration & Control

• Hardware/Software Choice• Vendor Selection

– ISPs, Communication Media Vendors

• Telecommunication & Networking Issues– Security

• Telecommunication devices and the access

– Privacy– Maintenance

• Keeping the blood flowing in the Network• Question regarding new technologies and Disaster recovery

Concerns….• Structural Changes• Cultural Changes

– The issues of face-to-face interaction– To Cope with faster pace of activities

• The need to respond accurately and precisely on the right time• Example of Backup Officer/ Information Officer

• Backup Issues– You can’t simply rely on the Continuity of the Network– Need to develop alternatives

• Both in the context of technology and strategies

– Many Factors • Failure of Technology• Inability of the Users• Special Situations

References• Charles Parker, Thomas Case. (2000). “Management Information

Systems: Action & Strategy”. (2nd Ed). Chapter 8

• Kenneth C. Laudon & Jane P. Laudon (2001). “Management Information Systems: Managing a Digital Firm”.(7th Ed). Chapters 5 & 6

• James O’Brien. (1998). “Introduction to Information Systems: A Networked Enterprise Perspective”. (2nd Ed). Chapter 5, 6, 7