Chapter Seven - Weekly Questions

1.    Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.

Wireless is defined as any electrical or electronic operation that is accomplished without the use of a ‘hard wired’ connection. Wireless provides users with a ‘live’ internet connection though the use of radio transmitters and satellites without the need or use of wires. The mobile component of wireless allows the user to travel with their technology and access it in real time. Wireless devices or usually small enough to carry around every day and have the ability to store a vast amount of information, perform tasks and communicate wirelessly via the internet or wireless streaming account, with other devices.

• Universal access to information and applications - people are mobile and have more access to information than ever before, however they still need to get to the point where they can access all information, anytime, anywhere.
• The automation of business processes - wireless technologies have the ability to centralise critical information and eliminate redundant processes
• User convenience; Timeliness and ability to conduct business 24/7, 365 days a year - people delayed in airports no longer have to feel cut-off from the world or their office. Through wireless tools and wireless solutions such as Blackberry RIM or an iPhone device, individual can access their information anytime, anywhere.

2.    Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP

Voice over IP (VoIP) uses TCP/IP technology to transmit voice calls over internet technology. VoIP allows calls, faxes, email, web conferences, and voice calls to be travelled via the internet, and also therefore reduces the cost of international calls, and reduces the complexity of delivering these services. Since VoIP uses existing network and internet infrastructure to route telephone calls more efficiently and inexpensively than traditional telephone service, VoIP offers businesses significant cost savings, productivity gains and service enhancements.

3.    Compare LANs and WANs

1. Local area networks (LANs)  connect computers that reside in a single geographic location on the premises of the company that operates the LAN.
2. Wide area networks (WANs) – connect computers at different geographic sites.

 

4.    Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.

RFIDF can be described as Tags that use radio waves to transmit data. They are Heavily used in Inventory tracking, they will eventually replace barcodes. Passive RFID – no internal power,  can pick up the very faint signal from an antenna, power up just enough to transmit data back to antenna. These can be mass produced at very low cost which makes them very efficient. An Active RFID – has the power to transmit much stronger and accurate data.

The uses of RFIDF include;

·         Passports – that instantly transmit data to a national security database about the time, date, place of people entering & leaving the country.

·         Transportation – think eTag, passive reader that sends toll charges to your account

·         Travel – in Mumbai 3.5 million people use the train stations, RFID’s have automated the ticketing process

·         Social Retailing – RFID, consumer tries on a garment, the RFID tells the LCD in the change room to show the garment being worn by a celebrity.

5.    What is one new emerging technology that could change a specific industry?

An emerging technology that can change a specific industry could be a smart phone, with the rate of advancements on phones, you will be able toy scan you phone to do banking, have meetings with clients, keep in track with staff and company needs etc.