Chapter Two: An Overview of Information and Communication Technologies
Chapter Two: An Overview of Information and Communication Technologies
Chapter Two: An Overview of Information and Communication Technologies
Communication Technologies
Learning objectives
•To highlight on the hardware and software components of
IS
•To impart insight on key infrastructural requirements
•To identify major features and functions of ICT
infrastructure
•To sensitize the need for optimal use of the system
•To shed light on major capabilities, threats and remedies
of the ICT infrastructure
IT Infrastructure and Business Capabilities
EVOLUTION OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE
•The client is the user point of entry, whereas the server typically
processes and stores shared data, serves up Web
pages, or manages network activities.
4. Enterprise Computing Era (1992 to
Present)
• Firms started using networking standards and software tools
that integrate disparate networks and applications throughout
the firm into an enterprise-wide infrastructure.
•Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) networking standard to tie their disparate
networks together
•link different types of computer hardware, including
mainframes, servers, PCs, and mobile devices, and it
includes public infrastructures such as the telephone
system, the Internet, and public network services.
5.Cloud and Mobile Computing Era (2000 to Present)
the networks
Telecommunications Network
Model
A telecommunications network is any
arrangement where:
◦ A sender transmits a message
◦ To a receiver
◦ Over a channel
◦ Consisting of some sort of medium
Components
Terminals
◦ Any input/output device that uses networks
to transmit or receive data
Telecommunications processors
◦ Devices that support data transmission,
reception
Telecommunications channels
◦ Media over which data are transmitted,
received
Network Types
1.Star
•Ties end user computers to a central hub.
The hub is the focal point of the star
•Easier to setup
•Higher dependency on the central
computer/device
Ring
• media
Bus
Internet, Intranet, and Extranet Systems
E-Commerce
• E-commerce is a new way of conducting business, and as with any other new
application of technology, it presents both opportunities for improvement and
potential problems.
• E-commerce requires the careful planning and integration of a number of
technology infrastructure components.
Forms of Electronic Commerce
• Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce: customers deal directly with the
organization, avoiding any intermediaries
• Business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce: participants are organizations
• Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) e-commerce: participants are individuals, with one
serving as the buyer and the other, the seller
• Collaborated commerce (c-commerce): typical example is supply chain
management
• Intra-organizational commerce: Business to Employee (B2E) to improve operation
• Government to Citizens (G2C): Enhances
government services and citizens
participation
• Mobile Commerce (M-C): Using cell phone
to access Internet and transact
E-Commerce Applications: Retail and Wholesale
• Storage capacity and computing power required of the Web server depends on:
– Software that will run on the server
– Volume of e-commerce transactions
• Web site hosting
Software
•Product configuration
•Shopping-cart facilities
•Catalog management
Electronic Payment Systems
Digital certificate: an attachment to an e-mail message
or data embedded in a Web page that verifies the identity
of a sender or a Web site
Electronic cash: an amount of money that is
computerized, stored, and used as cash for
e-commerce transactions
Electronic wallet: a computerized stored value that holds
credit card information, electronic cash, owner
identification, and address information
•Credit card
•Charge card
•Debit card
•Smart card
Discussion questions
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce for business
organizations in Ethiopia
• Discuss the potential benefit of Intranet system for organizations
• Discuss and describe how online banking companies operate