Exam 13: Understanding Software: a Primer for Managers

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Distributed computing is the concept of computers in different locations communicating with one another. It can yield enormous efficiencies in speed, error reduction, and cost savings and can create entirely new ways of doing business.
Client-server computing is a method of distributed computing where one program (a client) makes a request to be fulfilled by another program (a server). Server is a tricky term and is sometimes used to refer to hardware. While server-class hardware refers to more powerful computers designed to support multiple users, just about any PC or notebook can be configured to run server software. Web servers serve up Web sites and can perform some scripting.
Most firms serve complex business logic from an application server. Isolating a system’s logic in three or more layers (presentation or user interface, business logic, and database) can allow a firm flexibility in maintenance, reusability, and in handling upgrades.
Web services and APIs refer to pieces of code, and the request/response standards so that this code be summoned by other programs to perform a task (the term API is more in vogue today, so expect to hear that more).. Web services make it easier to link applications as distributed systems and can make it easier for firms to link their systems across organizations.
Popular messaging standards include EDI (older) and XML. Sending messages between machines instead of physical documents can speed processes, drastically cut the cost of transactions, and reduce errors.

Client-server computing is a method of distributed computing where one program (a client) makes a request to be fulfilled by another program (a server). Server is a tricky term and is sometimes used to refer to

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An operating system provides a common set of controls for managing computer hardware, making it easier for users to interact with computers and for programmers to write application software.
Most modern OS provide graphical user interface (UI) items like scroll bars and menus that enable users to interact with the computer system. Files are saved to the hardware of a hard drive or other storage device. Most OS also include control panels, desktop file management, and other support programs to work directly with hardware elements like storage devices, displays, printers, and networking equipment. The consistent look, feel, and functionality that operating systems enforce across various programs help make it easier for users to learn new software, which reduces training costs and operator error.

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Managers should recognize that there are a whole host of costs that are associated with creating and supporting an organization's information systems. These include a lot more than the programming costs for custom software as well as purchase, configuration, and licensing costs for packaged software.
Firms need to constantly engage in a host of activities to support the system that may also include the following:
-providing training and end user support
-collecting and relaying comments for system improvements
-auditing systems to ensure compliance (i.e., that the system operates within the firm's legal constraints and industry obligations)
-providing regular backup of critical data
-planning for redundancy and disaster recovery in case of an outage
-vigilantly managing the moving target of computer security issues
Firms spend 70 to 80 percent of their information systems (IS) budgets just to keep their systems running. The price tag and complexity of these tasks can push some managers to think of technology as being a cost sink rather than a strategic resource. These tasks are often collectively referred to as the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an information system. Understanding TCO is critical when making technology investment decisions. TCO is also a major driving force behind the massive tech industry changes.