Nunerule

NETWORK

2006-10-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

NETWORK

Case Studies #1
Stop & Shop Customers Make a New Buddy

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways does Shopping Buddy provide benefits and conveniences for Stop & Shop customers?

The Shopping Buddy system provides benefits and conveniences for Stop & Shop customers by employs several wireless technologies to support the wide range of services it offers. A Wi-Fi network is employed to assist customers in finding products on the shelves. Wi-Fi also allows customers to place deli orders anywhere in the store and pick them up as they pass the deli counter. Infrared technology is used to scan purchase items. Bluetooth transmissions provide location-specific advertisements and wireless data transfer at checkout Most shoppers continue using the system after they’ve tried it. The ease of use and additional features save customers time and frustration. Customer also can review what they’d placed in their cart to verify that they haven’t forgotten anything.
Shopping Buddy has done away with long lines and delays at checkout. When the customer is ready to check out, the purchase data is automatically and wirelessly transferred from the Shopping Buddy device to the checkout system, and funds are automatically transferred from the customer’s bank account to Stop & Shop. This system help customer’s to avoid carry cash away.

2. How does the Shopping Buddy system assist the Royal Ahold Corporation in understanding its clientele and the Stop & Shop store owners in running a smooth and effective operation?

Shopping Buddy system assist the Royal Ahold Corporation in understanding its clientele and the Stop & Shop store owners in running a smooth and effective operation by using the self-service system that utilize wireless technology to help customer locate goods, scan purchased items, and much more. Customers has sign up for the system was given a loyalty card. The card will be used to bill the customer for items purchased in the Shopping Buddy System. Once customer entering the Stop and Shop, Shopping Buddy customers are handed a portable computer, which they insert into a cart-mounted holder. Customer just needs to swipe their loyalty card to sign on to the system.
The Shopping Buddy user interface consists of flat-panel displays, about the size of a magazine page, with color images of specific products. Using a keypad, shoppers can type name of an item, and the system tells them where it’s located and how to get there. The Shopping Buddy includes a scanning wand that customers use to scan items as they place them in the cart. As the customer progresses through the store, location sensitive advertisements inform customer of special deals on items located nearby, this deals available only to those using Shopping Buddy. These systems help the companies to provide more effective and efficient services to the customers. Since the system maintains information about a shopper’s previous purchases, the Shopping Buddy system can target advertisements and promotion to customers according to individual customer tastes.

INTERNET

2006-10-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

INTERNET

Discussion Questions # 1, 8 & 10

1. Instant messaging is being widely used today. Describe how this technology could be used in a business setting. Are there any drawbacks or limitations to using instant messaging in a business setting?

More and more business are beginning to see the use of instant messaging (IM) as an interesting if not compelling--- way to make their organizations more responsive and effective. By using IM, particularly its presence-awareness features, companies can significantly reduce the time it takes to deal with customer issues, sometimes resolving them in real time. Effective use of IM can also eliminate much of the internal churning (emails, voice mails, walks past someone’s office) it takes for one employee to get information and assistance from another. And for many companies, IM provides a direct mode of communications with their customers--- a mode that enables far closer relationships than we’ve seen since electronic communications became the norm.
Effectively (there’s that word again) leveraging IM in business settings is not as simple as it may seem. There are some critical corporate issues, such as security and compliance that need to be addressed. However, we are seeing more and more capabilities in these areas from the major enterprise IM providers and from third parties, so while we consider these issues major, we feel they are waning (or at least issues for another discussion). On the other hand, companies implementing IM are finding that getting employees to use IM properly is a greater challenge.
As companies and individuals become more comfortable with instant messaging, and as the technology matures, we will see IM extended into several areas. While we believe that these areas will add significant value, that companies are recommend become comfortable with basic instant messaging before considering these emerging capabilities. Some of the capabilities to watch are online meetings and mobile IM.
IM is a powerful tool that is useful from a connected PC. We are now seeing IM being extended to mobile devices, including PDAs and cell phones, increasing the number of situations where IM and presence awareness can be used to great advantage. Already, it is relatively easy to send an IM as an SMS to a person’s cell phone if they are not online with a PC. Eventually, users will be able to see not only whether another user is online, but whether they are on the phone and/or in cell phone range. This certainly raises to be carefully considered before requiring employees to “broadcast” that they are away from their desks or homes.

1. Outline a process to create a Web page. What computer hardware and software do you need if you wish to create a Web home page containing both sound and pictures?
A process to create a Web page:
1. Your computer must be linked to a Web Server, which can deliver Web pages to other browsers.
2. You will need a Web browser program to look at HTML pages you create.
3. The actual design can take one of the following approaches: (a) Write your copy with a word processor, then use an HTML converter to convert the page into HTML format complete with tags so the browser knows how it should format the page. (b) Use an HTML editor to write text and add HTML tags at the same time. (c) Edit an existing HML template (with all the tags ready to use) to meet your needs. (d) Use an ordinary text editor and type in the start and end tags for each item.
4. Open the page with the browser and see the result. You can correct mistakes by correcting the tags.
5. Add links to your home page to allow your readers to click on a word and be taken to a related home page. The new page may be either a part of your web site or a home page on a different web site.
6. To add pictures, you must first store them as a file on your hard drive. This can be done in one of several ways: draw them yourself using a graphics software package, copy pictures from other web pages, buy a disk of clip art, scan photos or use a digital camera.
7. You can add sound by using a microphone connected to your computer to record a sound file; adding links to the page will enable those who access your web page to hear it.
8. Upload the HTML file to your Web site using e-mail or FTP.
9. Review the Web page to make sure that all links are correctly established to other Web sites.
10. Advertise your web page to others and encourage them to stop, take a look and send feedback by e-mail.
After Web content development, the next step is to place the content on a Web site or home page. Popular options include ISPs, free sites and Web Hosting.

10. One of the key issues associated with the development of a Web site is getting people to visit it. If you were developing a Web site, how would you inform others about it and make it interesting enough that they would return and also tell others about it?

You can drop the email randomly and invite others to visit by advertising. The best way is invite people by email. We might drop the email to our family, friends, colleague or relative first. Then it might be spread it out by them.
There are a lot of different kinds of websites – and there are a lot of people who know they want a website, but aren't even sure why. If you don't already know, you need to figure out exactly what it is that you want your website to do. What kind of thing do you want to put on it? Who are you trying to get to visit? Below are the guidelines to some of the most popular website types.

The Business Card Website.

For many people, having a website is something they feel the need to do as a duty, not because they really want to do it. In this case, it's perfectly justified to put up a website with nothing more than your name, your business name (if any), and your email address. You could also include your real-world address and your phone number, if you're comfortable with that. The key here is to at least put up something for someone who happens to be looking for you with a search engine.

You have to understand, though, that these kinds of sites can be as frustrating as they are helpful. Friends and co-workers may be excited to find your site, only to say "oh... is that all it does?" Customers, especially, have a tendency to get upset, especially if they just wanted to know something about your products or pricing. Not having a complete website makes work for them when they have to ask you about these things, and for you when you have to answer.

The CV/Portfolio Website.

An extension of the business card format is to make your website brief, and directed at getting people to call you if they're interested in you. It could just be a listing of the jobs you've had, or it could be an archive of the articles you've written for various publications – whatever, it's there to get you work. These kinds of websites can be effective, although you should realise that you're more likely to get some work because of a site that people find useful than because of one that's just about you.

The Brochure Website.

They're often-mocked in web design, but they're not really that bad: brochure-style websites simply reproduce the kind of material you would send out in a brochure to an interested customer, complete with pictures and technical details. Instead of actually doing any business online, you give the customer your contact information.

In many industries, really, this is the only way to work. There are things you just can't do with shopping carts and credit card processing, after all, especially when it comes to services. These kinds of websites are especially prevalent among businesses with a more local focus.

The E-Commerce Website.

There are two situations where e-commerce works really well: if you're selling a service that can be provided over the web, or if you're selling a small product that you can handle shipping for. In these situations, e-commerce websites are very powerful. You can sell your product direct online, cutting out whatever middlemen there might be.

The Content Website.

Ever more popular, content websites work by providing useful writing and then putting ads around it. That's the whole business model in a nutshell, but it works surprisingly well. The more writing you can do (or get), the better it works for you. If you want, you can even leave off the ads and put up a small button asking people to donate to your site if they found your information helpful – people can be nicer than you'd expect.

The Community Website.

Finally, an often-ignored kind of website is one that exists to serve a community. The community might be geographical (people who live in the same town), or it could an interest or hobby community (a forum for people who really like a certain genre of TV show, for example). Community websites can be fun to participate in, and they can make a lot of money if you can find advertisers who are interested in the very specific audience your site has got. If your site gets popular, you might even be able to charge people for membership! Even if it stays free and small, though, it's nice to have a web community to call your own, and you're likely to benefit in all sorts of ways that you wouldn't expect

E-COMMERCE

2006-10-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

E-COMMERCE

Problem Solving
Exercise pg391 #3

Do research to learn more about the use of WAP and other specifications being developed to support m-commerce. Briefly describe the specifications you uncover. Who is behind the development of these standards? Which standards seem to be gaining the broadest acceptance? Prepare a one-to two-page report for your instructor.

Introduction
The influence of wireless technology is prevalent everywhere in these days. Sending short text messages, making wireless telephone calls, connecting to the Internet and accessing information and using services on the application server have made a strong impact on the hearts and minds of people all across the globe about the emergence and usefulness of wireless technology. The founder members of wireless technology, having realized the importance of having a set of common wireless protocols that would help put wireless technology development on the fast track and help prevent the proprietary bottlenecks often faced in other areas of development, have embarked on establishing the now famous WAP forum.
WAP is a standardized technology for cross-platform, distributed computing, similar to the Internet's combination of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), except that it includes one vital feature: optimization for low-display capability, low-memory and low-bandwidth devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones and pagers. WAP forum came out with a new markup language referred to as Wireless Markup Language (WML) for efficient content delivery.
WAP is the set of rules governing the transmission and reception of data by computer applications on or via, wireless devices. Also WAP is a collection of protocols and specifications that cover everything from how the WAP device and the user agent should work, to how the transport protocols interact with the bearers themselves. WAP allows wireless devices to view specifically designed pages from the Internet using only plain text and very simple black-and-white pictures. WAP can run on any kind of wireless devices.
The WAP programming code at the Web site has to be explicitly developed and written for the micro browser used in that specific model of WAP device. A WAP device may be a mobile phone, a handheld device such as the Palm or HP PDA, a pager, or even a household refrigerator that has been WAP-enabled. The Web pages have to be very small and concise, because the data speed on mobile phones is limited and much smaller than the present day modem speed. Also, the WAP-enabled devices come with screens of different shapes and sizes and this aspect lands the same Web page looks differently in different WAP-enabled devices.
WAP achieves this critical feature of device-independence through one of the WAP specifications, the Wireless Application Environment (WAE), which spells out exactly what a device must do to support WAP. WAP runs on any network. WAP works with any of the global networks including Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or any of the newer enhanced second-generation or third generation networks. The other critical point to be indicated her is that WAP can run on either circuit-switched or packet-switched networks. This flexibility is being materialized due to the fact that it layers its infrastructure on top of various network protocols.
The Need for WAP
Many market forecast groups estimate that the number of wireless service subscribers across the globe will reach anywhere from 1 to 1.5 billion by the year 2005. An even larger number of wireless communication-enabled devices will be in use and they will require access to multimedia content and services expected by today's Internet user. Thus the realization of an richer source of content and applications is even more important. These forecast in conjunction with the expected improvement in the wireless communication infrastructure and technology and the need of consumers to access information anytime and anywhere caught the attention of many telecom companies. Many companies came with different tool sets and technologies to make this requirement a reality.
Openwave came up with the Hand-held Device Markup Language (HDML). Phone.com brought out Hand-held Device Transport Protocol (HDTP) and a minibrowser. Thus came a variety of protocols, browsers, encoders, devices, servers and languages. This diverse nature resulted in a major issue called the lack of interoperability. Having realized the critical benefits of interoperability, many wireless technology-related people came together to form the WAP forum, which in turn brought a host of exciting specifications that each and every wireless device manufacturer, content developer, and others concerned has to implement to the fullest. Thus a WAP-compliant element of a wireless solution will work with any other WAP-compliant component.
Benefits of WAP
WAP is a complete, open technology for delivering Web content to mobile devices, independent of carrier, vendor, or network technology. Thus WAP is not a service but a technology for developing various wireless applications. The WAP 1.0 specification came out in April 1998 and it consists of more than 30 specifications that describe all aspects of WAP, from mobile devices and content servers to protocols and languages. The latest release, referred to as WAP 2.0 has been released very recently. With this evolutionary release, the WAP specifications will continue as the de facto standard for wireless applications and services delivered across a wide range of devices. The device manufacturers, content developers and others who are in this exciting wireless field are focusing on implementing the recent set of specifications.
The Business Perspective
As the new standard protocol for providing the Internet content to wireless devices, WAP has been accepted on the telecommunications market with enthusiasm from all sides. The high penetration of wireless devices paves the way for mobile commerce (m-commerce). Many businesses were caught out by the speed of change on the Internet and rapid rise of e-commerce and so have jumped quickly to supply WAP services in an effort not to be left behind. Already mobile advertisement - advertising content on mobile devices - came into existence. A new service, made available with WAP, is the Location Information Service. Location services provide a way of delivering location dependent information and advertising to subscribers. This can supply the position of a network subscriber to the WAP applications that use it. This can be made possible by putting many antennas, which network operators have distributed around the country to communicate with the mobile phones. The network operator always knows which antenna is receiving the signal from a given mobile phone and where each antenna is located.
Another interesting feature offered by network operators is the concept of WAP portal, which sometimes is being provided by content providers. A WAP portal is similar to a Web portal containing many links to interesting applications and information, which are indexed and grouped together by category.
Benefits to Developers
As WAP is being supported widely as a set of specifications facilitating wireless application development, developers can be sure that their applications will work across a large number of devices, browsers, gateways and networks. WAP developers also have the advantage of leveraging their technical skills gained while riding the Internet bandwagon as WAP heavily depends on the Web technology infrastructure. The incorporation of network- and device-specific telephony features into WAP allows developers an easy means of creating more features-rich applications and increases the value proposition to the end user. The Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) specification of WAP allows developers to easily incorporate security features into their applications, hence extending the type of applications and content that could be developed or served to their users.
Conclusion
At the time of the release of the first version of WAP (WAP 1.0), there was great optimism about the use of wireless Internet. Over the last several years, WAP has suffered from numerous problems, including: inaccurate user perceptions about the look and feel of wireless Internet; low data rates; lack of stellar applications and content; and hype surrounding security issues
WAP is a global standard for bringing Internet content and services to wireless devices. WAP 's solution for delivering Web content to bandwidth-limited cell phones is a complete infrastructure that integrates devices, servers, languages and protocols. Often WAP is being compared with Japan NTT DoCoMo imode service but it is important to remember that WAP is not a service or a product but a suite of protocols for delivering applications. If the success of imode is an indicator, WAP is also bound to flourish in other parts of the world once packet-switching networks are able to provide the all important "always on" connectivity. As third-generation (3G) wireless technologies are to deliver the required bandwidth to support a richer user experience, WAP is poised to be adopted by many in the days to come and to become a very critical application delivering technology in the fast emerging wireless world.

SOFTWARE

2006-10-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

SOFTWARE

Web Exercise, p185, #1 & #2

1. Microsoft, IBM/Lotus, and Corel are the important providers of personal productivity software suites. Do research to assess the relative success of these there products in terms of sales of their software suites. Do you think it is possible that Microsoft will become the only provider of such software? Would this be good or bad? Why? Write a brief report summarizing your findings and conclusions.

A software suite is a collection of single application programs packaged in a bundle. Software suites can include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, graphics programs, communications tools, organizers and more. There are a number of advantages to using a software suite. The programs have been designed to work similarly. Microsoft Office, Corel’s WordPerfect Office and Lotus SmartSuite are examples of popular general-purpose software suites for personal computer users.

There are more than hundred million users worldwide of the Microsoft Office software suite, with Office 2003 representing the latest version of the productivity software. Over the past two decades, Microsoft products have evolved from a single, one-size-fits-all desktop operating system into a diverse family of operating systems. Today, Microsoft software help people worldwide achieve their potential at work, home and just about anyplace in between. People can work together, viewing documents and making changes in real time. In additional, information from Office can be integrated with corporate systems and applications. Microsoft Office goes beyond its role as a mainstream package of ready-to-run application with the extensive custom development facilities of Visual Basic for Applications.

Lotus SmartSuite is a fully integrated software package. This is to say it is comprised of several applications that share a common interface and work well together. SmartSuite is aimed at the small home office user as well as the person in a large corporate or government entity. It is designed to meet all the needs of almost anyone needing a powerful office environment user friendly program. As such it offers the buyer an economy of scale bargain purchase. Lotus SmartSuite, as reviewed is designed to work in Microsoft Windows. SmartSuite Release 9.8 is the latest edition of the award-winning office suite including Lotus 1-2-3, Lotus Word Pro, Lotus Freelance Graphics, Lotus Approach, Lotus Organizer, Lotus Fast Site, and Lotus Smart Center. With SmartSuite Release 9.8, it is easy to convert files from earlier versions of SmartSuite and other business applications including Microsoft Office. SmartSuite Release 9.8 file filters exchange documents seamlessly to and from 1-2-3 and Excel, Word Pro and Microsoft Word, or Freelance Graphics and PowerPoint. The power of SmartSuite Release 9.8, combined with Lotus Notes and the Internet, makes SmartSuite the industry's most complete suite for addressing the needs of both enterprise and individual users. From a sales standpoint, Microsoft Office won the suite wars years ago. But it still hasn't captured the hearts and minds of all suite users. Why not? For one thing, Corel's WordPerfect, Lotus's SmartSuite, and Sun's Star Office all offer some features that Office lacks. And once you've grown comfortable with any suite, it's easier to stick with it than to jump to another.

Corel is a leading global packaged software company with an estimate installed base of over 20 million users. Corel provides high quality, affordable and easy-to-use productivity, graphics and digital imaging software and enjoys a favorable market position among value conscious consumers and small business. Its products are sold in over 75 countries through a scalable distribution platform comprised of original equipment manufactures (OEMs), Corel’s domestic and international website, and a global network of resellers and retailers. Corel was globally recognized and established. Corel WordPerfect combines word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and address book applications in one feature-rich, affordable office productivity suite. Used by government departments, law firms, small businesses and home offices, WordPerfect is compatible with popular file formats such as Microsoft® Office, PDF, HTML and XML – making it easy for users to share information with others. Corel was recognized as the world's # 1 alternative to Microsoft Office, WordPerfect stands as the office productivity suite of choice for millions of users worldwide. Hence, CorelDraw Graphics Suite was established since its debut in 1989, CorelDraw Graphics Suite has remained an industry leader in PC graphics and vector illustration – setting the standard for easy-to-use and affordable PC graphics for designers and business users alike. As the premier graphics suite for Windows, CorelDraw Graphics Suite offers three powerful applications in one package: CorelDraw for vector illustration and page layout; Corel PHOTO-PAINT® for professional digital imaging; and Corel R.A.V.E™ for motion graphics creation. Recognized as the "best product overall" for small businesses by CRN (Computer Reseller News), CorelDraw has customers in vertical industries such as advertising, print and publishing, sign making, personalization, and engraving, among others. CorelDraw Graphics Suite 12, the latest version of Corel's flagship graphics suite has won CNET's Editors' Choice and was named by the respected online site as "The Best All-Purpose Graphics Suite" of 2004.
Microsoft not going to be the only provider of such software, but might be leading the market share. It is not good, if Microsoft become the only provider because nowadays technology is a part of our life, if there is only one provider in market its might difficult for user to get such software. The price much higher than before and users can not bagging the price in the market. For over two decades Microsoft has been fulfill the future of computing needs: a new era of personal, business, and intellectual communication supported by computers that are always available, vastly easier to use, and far more powerful than those of today.
The computers of tomorrow will employ a unified interface that moves transparently between smart devices, software, and systems that people use, forming a connected, unified system that works on their behalf and under their control, and creating an environment of seamless computing. Seamless computing enhances personal and business connections through rich communication and powerful, flexible collaboration tools; helps diverse technologies, groups and organizations work together; and are flexible and intuitive enough to adapt to the ways people and companies want to work.
People are beginning to rely less on typed text as they gain the freedom to interact with computers in more natural ways, such as by using voice, handwriting, and touch. Microsoft envisions a time when people’s personal and business information will be stored securely on the Internet, synchronized automatically and available instantly to them—anytime, anyplace, and on any device.

2. Do research on the Web and develop a two-page report summarizing the latest consumer appliance OSs. Which one seems to be gaining the most widespread usage? Why do you think this is the case?

Suse Linux Enterprise Server 10 includes the Xen 3.0 virtualization software, which allows several operating systems to run concurrently on a single server was the latest consumer appliance OSs. This can help companies cut costs by allowing them to consolidate several workloads on one server, said Justin Steinman, a Novell marketing director.
Other updates include a new version of AppArmor, a toolset for securing applications, which is included with both the desktop and server editions, he said.
Novell also simplified pricing for the server OS by charging the same fee regardless of the type of processors or the number in each system. Pricing is from US$349 per year for a basic subscription to $1,499 for a priority subscription, which includes 24x7 technical help. The exception is for mainframes, for which the annual subscription ranges from $11,999 to $18,000. Novell doesn't charge extra for companies that run multiple, virtualized instances of the OS on a server, Steinman said.
The company also updated its desktop Linux distribution, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. New components include the OpenOffice.org 2.0 productivity suite and the Evolution 2.6 desktop client, which Novell says is compatible with Microsoft's Exchange and its own GroupWise. It also includes the Beagle desktop search tool and the Fire fox Web browser.
The desktop OS also comes with the snazzy new xgl interface, which Novell is now calling Desktop Effects. It includes a 3D view of the desktop to help users flip through screens more easily. It also mimics some Windows elements so that the interface is familiar to users, by putting the application start button in the bottom left corner, for example. A subscription for the desktop OS is $50 per device per year. The price includes 90 days of installation help and product updates for the life of the contract.

The LiPS Forum, one of several mobile Linux groups launched over the past year, aims to standardize Linux services and APIs to help spur the growth of Linux on mobile phones.
Texas Instruments has been attending LiPS Forum meetings as an observer since the group's launch last year, said Loic Hamon, director of strategic marketing for the company's wireless business unit. The company became involved, he said, in part due to its close relationship with France Telecom, one of the founders of the forum and an active participant in the emerging mobile Linux industry.
Operators and phone makers increasingly have been working to push smart phones into the mass market, and supporters say Linux can help them do that. Texas Instruments last year began selling a new chipset platform aimed at letting operating systems, such as Symbian, Microsoft's and Linux, run on low-cost, mass-market phones, Hamon said.
Texas Instruments is interested in other mobile Linux groups as well, but hasn't made announcements publicly about joining them, he said.
Late last year, the Open Source Development Lab started the Mobile Linux Initiative to work on optimizing the Linux operating system for handheld devices. In June, a group of companies including Motorola, Vodafone, NTT DoCoMo, Samsung Electronics, NEC and Panasonic Mobile Communications formed a consortium focused on the development and marketing of an API, specification, architecture and source reference for Linux phones.

INTRODUCTION

2006-10-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION

Case Studies p42-43

Case Two
The Queen Mary 2 and Partner

Discussion Question

1. What conveniences does The Ship Partner information system provide to passengers of the Queen Mary 2? What entertainment services could be made available to passengers through this digital network?

The convenience information system does provided to passengers of the Queen Mary 2 is a plastic bar-coded card that presented to passengers upon checking in. The card is used while on board to make purchases, which are then billed to the passengers account. It is also swipe as guests leave and return to the ship to track passenger location. Passengers in each cabins had access to digital entertainment such as on-demand movies and interactive television. Each cabins also wired with internet access and network services, an example, passengers use the network to make shore excursion reservation and dinner plans.

2. How does The Ship Partner information system assists ship managers with their duties and responsibilities?

The Ship Partner information system assists ship managers to run reports that showing which passengers are on board, how many will be attending the morning exercise class and which entrée was most popular at last night’s dinner. The ship massive data network brings order where there once was chaos. It also can used to track security, billing, telephone service and other operations in effectively and accurate. This information system will help ship manager provide the efficiency services to all passengers and they can manage their record in properly.

Critical Thinking Question

3. How does The Ship Partner information system assist Cunard in competing in travel industry? What other travel and leisure industries would benefit from a system like The Ship Partner?

The Ship Partner information system assist Cunard in competing in travel industry with provided specialized system and providing valuable information for better services to passengers and a society with a higher quality of life.
The other travel and leisure industries would benefit from a system like The Ship Partner is a Hotel Management companies. It is because; some of the Queen Mary 2 services that provide to customers were same as Hotel Management services. Bar-coded card as an example was a great idea for hotel industries. This access card can be control by management and all the information data can easily get by hotel manager. All the customers charges can directly billed under customer account. The Customer also can easily order the dinner and enter gym or sauna easily by using the access card.

4. Why is it important for The Ship Partner to have a backup system? How would a system wide failure affect the functioning of the ship?

The Ship Partner information system needs a backup system to take over automatically, if the primary system fails. This information system is used to track security, billings and other operations. All these information system are highly important for the business record and can help decisions makers to achieve company goals. This backup system is very important to track all the record.

INTRODUCTION

2006-10-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

HARDWARE

2006-10-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

HARDWARE

Case Studies p135-137

Case One
Hilton Hotels implements “OnQ”

Discussion Question

1. What would you identify as the biggest benefit that Hilton gained by implementing its “OnQ” information system?

The biggest benefit that Hilton gained by implementing “OnQ” information system is reduce the cost of the conversion about $5 million and improve the reliability and efficiency of company operations by simplifying and standardizing the architecture. The ability to cross-sell among the entire Hilton family of brands help ensure that Hilton keeps business within its system when a customer’s first choice is not available.

2. What do you suppose were some of the factors that were considered in selecting the vendor for the computer hardware?

The factors that were considered in selecting the vendor for the company hardware should be selected and organized to effectively and efficiently attain company system objectives. These objectives should in turn support information system objectives and goals. Balancing specific computer system objective in terms of cost, control and complexity have to be main focus guidance of selection the vendor for the computer hardware.

Critical Thinking Question

3. Do you think that Hilton will be able to maintain a permanent competitive advantage with its “OnQ” system? Why or why not?

Hilton will be able to maintain a permanent competitive advantage with its “OnQ” system because it was implementing by itself and special for their organization needs, objectives and goals. None of Hilton’s competitors has this capability. This system can improve the reliability and efficiency of company operation. This system also has enhanced the efficiency and productivity of back of operations, such as payroll, purchasing and financing forecast as well. Hilton had created a district advantage through this new system to operate business efficiently and maximize customer service and loyalty. This system also will help Hilton to bring a new and better level of services.

4. To what degree should senior executives consider the compatibility of two firms’ information system when considering a merger acquisition?

Senior executives should put high consideration on compatibility of two firms’ information system when considering a%2

DATABASE

2006-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

DATABASE

Web Exercise, p235 #1

Use a Web search engine to find information on one of the following topics: business intelligence, knowledge management, and predictive analysis. Find a definition of the term, an example of a company using the technology, and three companies that provide such software. Cut graphics and text material from the Web pages and paste them into a word processing document to create a two pages report on your selected topic. At the home page of each software company, request further information from the company about its products.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The development of knowledge-based systems involves knowledge acquisition from a diversity of sources often geographically distributed. The sources include books, papers, and manuals, videos of expert performance, transcripts of protocols and interviews, and human and computer interaction with experts. Expert time is usually a scarce resource and experts are often only accessible at different sites, particularly in international projects. Knowledge acquisition methodologies and tools have developed to take account of these issues by using hypermedia systems to manage a large volume of heterogeneous data, interactive graphic interfaces to present knowledge models in a form understandable to experts, rapid prototyping systems to test the models in operation, and model comparison systems to draw attention to anomalous variations between experts.
However, existing knowledge acquisition tools are largely based on personal computers and graphic workstations, and their use in a distributed community involves moving software and often computers from site to site. The process of building and testing knowledge models across a distributed community would be greatly expedited if wide-area networks could be used to coordinate the activities at different sites. The initial objective of the work reported in this paper has been to use the World Wide Web to support distributed knowledge acquisition by porting existing knowledge acquisition tools to operate through the web. A further objective has been to use the web on a continuing basis to support distributed knowledge management in which the acquisition, representation and application of knowledge become an integral part of the activities of an organization.

The wide range of technologies developed in artificial intelligence research has

2006-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

(Operasi Cinta Alam Gunung Kinabalu KK6- 2000)

Mount Kinabalu

One hundred and thirty eight kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, rises the majestic Mount Kinabalu. With its peak at 4,101 meters (and growing), Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South-East Asia. This distinction has earned it considerable attention in myth and legend as well as in geography, and the mountain has for most of history been revered as a sacred spot. The hundreds of square kilometers encompassed by its slopes, from sea level to the jagged stone edge marking its summit, form the Kinabalu National Park. Within this area is found some of the richest flora in the world, ranging from lowland dipterocarp forest to the montane oak, rhododendron, and conifer forests of the middle altitudes and eventually to the alpine meadows and stunted, windswept bushes of the summit.

The climb up Kinabalu is one reason why many visitors come. Despite its intimidating size, Kinabalu is one of the easiest mountains in the world to climb. No special skills or equipment are needed, and each year thousands of visitors undertake the expedition, which takes two to three days. Accommodation is available all along the climb, the highest lodging being the Sayat Hut at 12,500 feet. Those with high blood pressure or heart problems should not make the climb because of the high altitude involved.

Though the Kinabalu Park is famous largely for the climb, the climb is in turn as famous for the beauty of its route as for the view from the top. Kinabalu's slopes possess a wealth of plant growth and a large variety of birds, and much of the climb's interest and beauty lies in tracing the transitions from one ecosystem to the next as one reaches ever higher altitude. For visitors with more time to spend in Kinabalu, there are graded paths leading through rich lowland forest to mountain rivers, waterfalls, and tumbled bat caves.

The Poring Hot Springs, located nearby, are another prime attraction. The springs were developed first by the Japanese during W.W.II. Today the springs are piped into several open air, Japanese-style baths. The hot springs contain sulfur water, which has curative properties for skin diseases.

THE PARK AT A GLANCE:
Size: 4,343 sq. km Highest Point: Mount Kinbalu (4,101 meters) Flora Fauna: One of the largest flowers in the world grows here. Its giant red blossom, the Rafflesia can grow to over 170 cm in diameter. Several bird varieties including the Mountain Bush Warbler, Kinabalu friendly Warbler, palefaced Bilbul and Mountain Blackeyes. More the 250 bird varieties have been recorded. Small mammals which inhabit the mountain include mountain squirrels, tree shrews and bats. Activities: Mountain climbing, photography, jungle walks.

2006-08-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

The glib answer to the question "how do I treat people with Down syndrome?" is: "The same as you treat everybody else". There is nothing really unusual about people with Down syndrome or their medical problems and managing them is not particularly difficult. The reality is, however, that general practitioners will be called upon to provide medical care to people who have Down syndrome through their lives and unfamiliarity with the syndrome may compromise the quality of that care.

MY YOUNGER BROTHER
Mohd Shahmi Bin Mohd Gharib, was born on 11 Feb 1992, at Hospital Besar Alor Setar Kedah. He born as Down Syndrome but it’s never ever make he looks different from others infect; he can carry himself better than normal child. He full of joys and always cheers us up and brings lots of happiness to my family. He is the only little brother that we have. He grows up as a normal child…. He knows how to plays badminton and football, he love swimming, Playing PS2, watching cartoons and classic movie. He loves Akademi Fantasia so much…He likes nasi lemak, Mcdonald and Coco-cola. He can manage himself very well… He is the most valuables gift that my family and I ever had. I’m very proud and thankful god to be part of his life…. Love you so much “Mat Mie”
You are so special…..

2006-08-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

WELCOMING BABIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME

If you are welcoming a new baby with Down Syndrome into your family, you probably have many questions and concerns, as do your extended family, friends, and neighbors. There is information keeping in mind our own diverse experiences when our children were born with DS.

What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal anomaly that occurs in 1.3 per 1000 births. For some unexplained reason, an error in cell development results in 47 chromosomes rather than the usual 46. The extra gene material slightly changes the orderly development of the body and brain. About 5000 babies with Down Syndrome are born in the United States every year. The national population of individuals with Down Syndrome is estimated to be 250,000.

About 80% of babies with Down Syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. About 1 in 400 babies born to women over 35 have Down Syndrome.

People with Down Syndrome are more like typically developing individuals than they are different. There is great diversity within the population in terms of personality, learning styles, intelligence, appearance, compliance, humor, compassion, congeniality, and attitude. Favorite pastimes vary from person to person and range from reading, gardening and travel to baseball, music, and beyond.
Children with Down Syndrome look more like their families than they do one another, have a full complement of emotions and attitudes, are creative and imaginative in play and pranks, and grow up to live independent lives with varying degrees of support and accommodations needed. Down Syndrome will not be the most interesting thing about your son or daughter as they grow up. Remember that raising any child fills your life with unimaginable delight and difficulties. We can no longer predict how far our children will go.

Types of Down Syndrome
There are three major types of Down Syndrome. Your baby is most likely to have Trisomy 21, meaning presence of extra genetic material on the 21st pair of chromosomes resulting from an anomaly in cell division during development of the egg or sperm or during fertilization. About 95% of people with DS have Trisomy 21. About 4% have Translocation, where the extra chromosome 21 broke off and became attached to another chromosome. About 1% have Mosaicism, where only some cells have Trisomy 21.
Care of Children with Down Syndrome

Children with Down Syndrome benefit from the same care, attention, and inclusion in community life that help every child grow. As with all children, quality education in neighborhood schools and preschools or at home is important to provide the child with Down Syndrome the opportunities that are needed to develop strong academic skills.

On standard IQ tests, our sons and daughters with Down Syndrome most often score in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. These tests do not measure many important areas of intelligence, and you will often be surprised by the memory, insight, creativity, and cleverness of your child. The high rate of learning disabilities in students with Down Syndrome sometime mask a range of abilities and talents.
Although babies and children with Down Syndrome are early customers for extensive health evaluations, infant stimulation, physical therapy, communication enhancement, developmental evaluations, and other professional intervention, it is important to keep in mind that every child deserves to be surrounded by people who love, respect and admire all children.

Individuals with Down Syndrome may be identified by numerous physical attributes which may or may not present themselves in any one individual. Some characteristics are the beautiful almond shaped eyes, with striking Brushfield spots on the irises, a single palmar crease on one or both hands, small features, and exceptional social intelligence.

Individuals with DS have a high rate of congenital heart defects (35 to 50%) and should have an echocardiogram within the first two months of life. National organizations provide medical checklists (see resources section below) for individuals with DS that you may wish to pass on to your child's physician.

Future for Children with Down Syndrome
Your child will have more opportunities than a child born with Down Syndrome five years ago. As young people with DS show what they can do with the support of their communities as they integrate mainstream programs, more doors open for others. We have seen a TV series starring a talented actor and actress with DS enlighten the general public about the potential of all our children.

Two young men have authored a book, Count Us In, Growing Up with Down Syndrome, and impressed audiences across the country at book signings and on talk shows. A fast paced mystery, Honor Thy Son, by Lou Shaw, features two characters with Down Syndrome who are faithfully portrayed as multi- dimensional young adults. A young man with Down Syndrome is the winner of the 1996 Best Actor honor at Cannes.
Thousands of young people with Down Syndrome across the country are quietly going on with their lives without fame or fanfare and transforming their communities by just being there. They have dreams and the determination to reach their goals. They learn in regular classrooms in their neighborhood schools with the children who will one day be their coworkers, neighbors and adult friends. Young adults hold diverse and meaningful jobs, maintain their own households, and make significant contributions to their communities every day.

A Final Note
Allow your family, friends and neighbors some time to learn about Down Syndrome, reminding them if necessary that DS is just a small part of who your child is and will become. It is a small part of your child's genetic makeup. Staying integrated in your mainstream community is important to your child's development and your peace of mind.

Try to get some rest. You are allowed to feel however you feel, and so are others who love you and your baby. Childbirth is hard work; many of your emotions stem from a new life coming into your family. You deserve congratulations and wonderful gifts. Have the good cooks among your family and friends bring over their best meals. Take time to welcome and enjoy your baby. They grow up fast.