What is Spotify?

Spotify is a worldwide audio streaming

service founded on 23 of April 2006 by
Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. Spotify is
the world's largest audio streaming
service with over 489 million monthly
active users, including 205 million paying
subscribers as of December 2022.

Who uses Spotify?

Spotify's target audience is spread out
around the globe, with the majority of
consumers being in Europe. Young
adults—Millennials and Gen Z—are the
typical Spotify users, but there is also a
sizable audience of elderly adults—55 and
over—who also appreciate the music on
the app. At 56%, men account for the
majority of Spotify users. The Spotify
platform will have 82 million songs as of
2023.

Why is it an important source of information (need)?

Spotify is an important source of information/ music because it is an effective and efficient
way of accessing music. It allows users to access music going back all the way to the 1950s
to the present and everything in between. Spotify also has a business part of the app, artists
such as ‘Eminem’ can stream and post their music on their profile allowing the artist to
promote their music and make money. A mechanism on Spotify allows users to customize
their experience while using the app. One of the two ways a user can customize their
Spotify is by creating playlists using their most recent music and favourite genres. The user
can also make their own playlists that are tailored to the music they want to listen to.
The Information Processes
There are several information processes involved throughout developing Spotify. The
seven processes include; collecting, organising, analyzing, storage, processing,
transmitting & receiving and displaying. All of these processes are all relevant to any
development of an app website or information system.

Collecting:
The information process of ‘collecting’ gathering data is the
entry of data into an information system. Before using any
Spotify service the user is required to make an account which
consists of personal information such as an email address, a
password and then your age and gender. This is how the
process of ‘collecting’ starts. Inputs such as keyboards,
microphone (audio), touchscreen, uploading images and
mouse/pointer devices. Other methods of collecting data
when using spotify can include survey of favorite genres,
research of popular songs and artists and already existing
data that is relevant towards the app.

Organising:
When data has been "collected" and entered
into the information system, it is "organised" in
the information process. The primary function of
Spotify is to catalogue user songs and pay the
musicians who created them. The
straightforward and user-friendly Spotify design
includes playlists and podcasts that have been
categorised by genre, recently played and
recently published music and podcasts, all of
which can be accessible on the main screen.

Users of Spotify have a variety of ways to

browse, play, and save music and
podcasts thanks to the search bar, library,
and create playlist sections. A web
browser or website and presentation
components such as images of playlists,
songs, and artists, and text to explain what
the user is doing are all utilised to
categorise this data. This programme is
used to monitor user activities and
present it in a clear and efficient manner.
Analysing:
Data manipulation within an information system, reinterpretation, and interpretation are all
parts of data analysis. When discussing an information system like Spotify, the terms
"analyzation" and "organisation" of data are interchangeable because they both contribute to
the efficient and effective interpretation and delivery of information to the user. Data analysis
is more thorough than data organisation because it makes use of secondary data from
Spotify when data is entered into its information system. This collection of secondary data
offers insight into the users' preferences for songs to listen to, not just in terms of track
popularity but also in terms of the characteristics of the songs they have in their Spotify
library. For Spotify artists and creators, data analysis is done in a method that displays
statistics about their followers and "monthly listeners," as Spotify refers to them. Also, artists
and creators have access to profile statistics for their audience to view, as well as statistics
for specific songs and music releases.

Storing & Retrieving:

The act of writing (storing) data to a memory
region in an information system and then
retrieving that same data for use at a later
time. Spotify's architecture is built on Apache
open-source technologies called Kafka, Storm,
Crunch, and Cassandra. Real-time data
collection and analysis performed by these
software systems are then stored in user
profiles as customised recommendations
tailored to the preferences of the user.

To put it in plainer and more understandable

terms, Spotify employs "open-source"
technologies, which are pieces of code
intended for public use, to collect and analyse
real-time data, store it in the user's profile, and
then modify it to reflect the user's
recommendations and preferences. For
instance, when the user receives playlists of
fresh recommendations from the genres and
songs they've recently been listening to called
‘Discover Weekly’ Storing and Retrieving
overlaps with organising as it has to section
and separate data inputted into the system’s
database, into genre types and
recommendation engines.
.
Processing:
Processing is the automated transformation (processing) of data utilising the system's
processors to produce a new value. The database of Spotify offers easy access to any music or
podcast on its platform using a variety of input devices, including a mouse, keyboard, touchpad,
etc. For any database that needs to provide users with quick input, hardware like CPUs and
RAM are essential. For instance, searching for songs and artists, accessing playlists, and saving
playlists. All of this information and more is stored and sectioned in the database, ready for
quick use and access whenever required by the user.

Transmitting & Receiving:

The exchange (receiving) of data within and among (transmitting) information systems and
devices, including its sending and receiving. Spotify enhances it’s users experience through the
transmission and receiving of data by using wireless connection to create rapid and correct
outputs that suits the users needs. Wireless hardware and mediums such as microwaves,
Satellite and radio assist in enhancing the spotify experience as well as the all known software
that is Network Operating System (NOS), required by every information system. The Network
operating System (NOS) manages resources which include: functions to connect to computers,
phones and ipads and devices connecting to a local network (LAN). Other devices such as
routers, switches and firewalls are other benefits Spotify has in their Network Operating System
(NOS).

Displaying:
Information output (display) that is provided in a manner tailored to the user's needs. Spotify
displays its information in a way not many other apps/ information systems do for its primary
function is to display audio secondary present information in the form of text, images etc.
Hardware required to use the basics of Spotify include: a screen, iphone, ipad or laptop for
displaying texts and images and earphones, headphones and speakers for displaying audio.
Software Spotify uses to display images, texts, videos (Ads) and audio are in the form of the
multimedia in Presentation software as the users can go through different menus to find new
songs, recently played songs, playlist made by the user or made the system and
recommendations for the user as well as podcasts making Spotify fit under the multimedia
category of presentation.
Who are the participants involved in the development and/or use of
Spotify?
Participants are commonly referred to as ‘direct users’ of the information system, as they are
sequential to the success and fluidity of the system. A participant is considered to be part of
the system and assists with executing its information processes. e.g. Database Admins, Music
Upload Team and Technical Support are the ‘participants’ of spotify. These ‘participants’ will
help with maintaining hardware and software of the system both physical and digital, live
maintenance and the establishment of creators/artists accounts. In many cases information
systems will be unable to run without participants, as they are the integral structure no one
sees that keeps Spotify alive.

Database Admins.
Database Admins are the behind the scenes heroes and reasoning for success when talking
about Spotify. Database Admins are tasked with keeping up to date with their hardware and
software both physical and digital, making sure they have the right materials, CPUs and RAM
required to make an effective and efficient Information System.

Music Upload Team.

The Music Upload Team are who the creators/artist go to when they want to upload music.
This team makes sure that the creator/artist has their music uploaded to their account at the
requested time, with the right name and title and copyright requirements. The Music Upload
Team is easy to access and talk to, making the creator/artist feel more at ease when
requesting to get their song uploaded.

Technical Support.
What the Technical Support team does is very clear. They help when errors occur, if a server
crashes, answer questions from users etc. The duties of the Technical Support team are
clinical for the success of Spotify as they maintain, manage and repair anything and
everything to do with the digital side of Spotify’s information system.
Describe the appropriate data required for the development of Spotify.
Data required for the development of Spotify simply comes down to what is available for the
user and what data the user enters. The ‘users’ are the reason why information systems such
as Spotify work as without their inputs Spotify would basically be useless and would become
somewhat of a storage network for audio and music. Data includes text, values and raw facts
which are entered into the information system for processing. Once the Data is completed
‘processing’ the data is given more meaning or completely new meaning and given back to
the user. e.g. a user searches for ‘Eminem’, and the artist comes up with his songs but also
other similar recommended songs and artists. Data also may include information from a
different system or calculation. As previously mentioned it is considered data as it is once
again entered into the system for further processing in order for the user to find a deeper or
completely different meaning.

What are the methods of Information Technology required to produce

Spotify?
a. Hardware involved in producing Spotify?
Systems' tangible, technical components are referred to as hardware. This implies that you
can actually handle these parts. Devices for entering data into systems, such as Mice,
Keyboards, Touchpads, and Cameras, are examples of hardware. devices that show data,
including speakers, printers, and monitors. Storage devices like flash memory, optical discs
(CDs, DVDs, and hard drives), and magnetic discs (Solid State Drive). internal parts such the
motherboard, random access memory (RAM), and the central processing unit (CPU).

b. Software required to produce Spotify?

Software refers to components of a system made of programming code. This falls under the
category of system and application software. This implies that you are unable to physically
handle these parts. System software consists of both utilities that help maintain the system as
well as applications that enable the system to function, such the operating system.
Application software refers to the programmes that people employ to carry out tasks.
Application software comprises a wide range of categories, such as word processors,
spreadsheets, presentation software, authoring software, and web browsers.
How is the environment affected or influenced by the development of
Spotify?
Spotify, as a digital music streaming service, has both positive and negative environmental
impacts, mainly related to its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Positive impacts:
Reduced consumption of physical media: As Spotify provides access to a vast music library
that can be streamed and downloaded, it reduces the need for physical music media such
as CDs and vinyl, which can result in the conservation of natural resources. Lower carbon
footprint of music delivery: The digital delivery of music through Spotify results in lower
carbon emissions compared to the manufacturing and transportation of physical music
media. Digital music libraries reduce clutter: With Spotify, music lovers can access their
favorite tunes without the need for physical storage, which can lead to a reduction in
clutter in homes and offices.

Negative impacts:
Energy consumption: Spotify relies on vast server infrastructure to store and deliver music
to its users. This infrastructure requires a lot of energy, which can have a significant impact
on the environment. Carbon emissions: The electricity consumption of Spotify's server
infrastructure can result in significant carbon emissions. Additionally, the energy used by
users to power their devices when streaming or downloading music can also contribute to
carbon emissions. E-waste: The production and disposal of electronic devices used to
access Spotify can also have a negative impact on the environment, particularly if not
disposed of properly.

In summary, while Spotify has some positive environmental impacts, it also has negative
impacts related to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and e-waste. However, the
overall impact of Spotify on the environment is likely smaller compared to the impact of
traditional physical music media.
Outline THREE social and \ethical issues that may be raised in the
development of Spotify?
The three social and/ethical issues that arise in the development of Spotify include: Data
security and privacy, Copyright infringements and Far artists compensation.

1. Data security and privacy: Spotify gathers a tonne of user data, including contact
information, listening preferences, and even geographical information. This raises
questions about how this information is gathered, kept, and shared with outside
businesses. Also, there is a chance that sensitive user data will be exposed due to data
breaches.
2. Copyright infringement: Spotify is a website that gives customers access to a huge
collection of musicians and albums. But given that Spotify might not have secured the
required permissions to distribute some of the music on their site, this raises questions
about copyright infringement. The rights of the artists and music companies may be
harmed as a result, and Spotify may face legal problems.
3. Fair artist compensation: Spotify has come under fire for its royalty scheme, which
compensates musicians according to how many times their songs are streamed on the
service. Many artists view this as unfair since they feel they are not being paid enough
for their work. Furthermore, there have been issues with Spotify's ambiguous payout
structure, which makes it challenging for musicians to comprehend how and why they
are being paid. This has prompted demands for greater openness and just payment of
platform artists.