Electronic Businesses

Electronic Businesses

My topic is the prevent security risk in Electronic Businesses (e-business). Information has been a valued commodity since the beginning of time. How information is used is no concern until it involves their consumers. General information given from e-business may be harmless, but personal information can be detrimental in the wrong hands. Managers need to focus on data privacy, authenticity, and data integrity in order to run a successful online business. Consumers may be unaware who can view their personal information and how much are found.  Especially in with a growing number of e-businesses, data controversy continues.

Electronic businesses, a name given by IBM in the 1990’s, is more than “e-commerce” and “e-procurement”.  Every department in an e-business revolves around the internet and it can range from collaborating with another department to researching with another team.  Utilizing such resources allow companies to flourish.[1]

Amazon.com is known as the largest online retailer, such as Amazon.com. The company is trusted by many consumers; however, the addition of Cloud Drive caused some consumers to question their trust in the e-business.  Amazon Cloud Drive is a free online storage space with up to 5GB of room. Its purpose is to preserve any documents, photos, music, or videos just in case of wipes or crashes. Consumers can purchase additional space for a fee. [2] Amazon has created the business plan with some questionable security plans. Consumers were concern on personal file protection. George Reese, a consumer, blogger, and founder of enStratus Networks LLC and Valtira, spoke out his findings of Amazon Cloud. He said that Amazon has control over your data and weak security for points. Reese questions the stability of the company and information in regards to the aftermath of the company. [3] He has all the right to be skeptical. When applying for college, high school students use sealed envelopes and the post office to secure transcript privacy. In a similar fashion, E-business secures data privacy with encryptions and firewalls as protection. To secure any data loss, third party software can be added to company’s network. Anti-viruses software is an example of a third party. [4]

Other possible concerns in an e-business are authenticity and data integrity. As a former retail employer, I know the authenticity of a transaction was signature through the pad.  Now online businesses signatures are obsolete in purchases, which posses as a problem. Online businesses can always verify with customer’s knowledge of a password and credit card. [4] Businesses should ensure data is preserved and untampered while movement. One way to ensure to preseve information is through backup. Backup is important because the growth of data is exponential and prevents failures within the network. Another way is to ensure preservation is to future-proof data storage. The system will have new and old data, policies, and encryption to secure data. [5]

In conclusion, e-business can overcome risk in security. In order to run an online business, security must be taken under consideration; such as data privacy, authenticity, and data integrity. It all comes down to securing and preserving consumer’s information.

[1] http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/e-business
[2] https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/learnmore
[3] http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/11/key-security-issues-for-the-am.html
[4] http://www.ehow.com/list_6943198_e_business-security-concerns.html
[5] http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/meetings/documents/othermeetings/3-4_Clarke-SUN-Data_Integrity.pdf  (Slides 3 - 14)

Task 3.4

                I will discuss telecommunication hardware, and the difference between a mobile phone, PDA, and smartphone. In the past, the purpose of cellular phones was to send and receive voice communications, but today, they have multiple functions. Mobile phones can be used to run software, access the internet, take pictures, and play music. Their differences make each phone unique; the price will tell you.

                A mobile phone is a wireless device that connects to cell phone towers using radio waves. Mobile phones can be used for voice communication, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), and newer phones may use instant messaging.[1] I use to own a mobile phone, and the durability was better than my smartphone.  The phone could drop or get scratched, and It will still work.

                A PDA is an acronym for “Personal Digital Assistant”.  The purpose is simple: to facilitate the organizing of daily activities in an easily manageable, portable way.  [2] These devices are handheld which have computing, telephone, and internet (with WiFI technology). However, through evolution, keyboards have been installed on these devices.  Most PDA’s have touch screens, while some also have fax services. Most PDA’s are used as a personal organizer. Some PDA’s have voice recognition technology for speed dialing and going through menus. An example of a PDA is a Pixi Plus[3] phone by the company of Palm. [2]

                A smartphone is a combination of a PDA and a mobile phone, “which in essence was just like a regular cell phone with some added capabilities that you may find on a laptop or PC”. [4] Smart phones are like mini-computers. They are used for used primarily for e-mail and applications. Most Smartphones now have a touch screen. A touch screen is a display where I can use my finger to input commands. An example of a smartphone is Apple’s iPhone (with iPhone OS) and Samsung’s Galaxy SII (with Android OS). These smart phones have advanced 3D graphics and more powerful hardware. Although they are more like PDA’s, no standard defines a smartphone. Smartphones are usually greater than PDA, and a PDA is greater than a mobile phone in ability.

                In conclusion, mobile phones, PDAs, and smart phones all have different uses. Before purchasing a cellular phone, a person should reflect on the level of cell phone usage. Simple users may be happy with a simple phone with call and text functions. More courageous users may want a PDA for its entry-level pen. Advances users may want a smartphone to help with their daily life. Regardless of who uses what kind of cellular phone, the average user may need to be more proficient in computers as cellular phones may replace PCs in the future.

[1] http://www.ehow.com/facts_4923091_what-cell-phone.html

[2] http://www.ehow.com/facts_4913597_what-pda-cell-phone.html

[3] http://www.amazon.com/Palm-Pixi-Plus-Verizon-Screen/dp/B004IPAC10/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343273143&sr=8-1&keywords=palm+phone

[4] http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-a-SmartPhone?&id=2149500

Task 3.3

My topic will be the transition from the past to the future of Web 2.0.  Web 2.0 is the second generation of the World Wide Web bringing in new culture of internet.  It focuses on sharing and collaborating information through the online community.  The Web 2.0 has served Web applications towards marking industries, who in turn, farmed the collected data into advertisement means.  The Web has grown a considerable amount by transforming from one-way to two-way communication.

During the beginning of World Wide Web, Web 1.0 had established its place in history with limited options. Vovoci from http://blogvovico.com, created a visual comparison of the Web 1.0 and 2.0:

From looking at the diagram, all users can do was read content with no interactions in Web 1.0. The sites had only sticky content and to name a few it had webmail, chat room, news, and weather. There were editors, but personal sites remained closed and rarely changed. Only a handful of websites changed like CNN. Web 2.0 had a dramatic change, which included user-generated content. It allowed a mass sharing and interaction of content. Also, Web 2.0 had web syndication, allowing two or more companies to provide available material on the other site. It is considered a buzz, which means it contained personal blogging and crowdsourcing.   

However some may disagree on the transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, like Tim Berners-Lee who has said, “Web 1.0 was all about connecting people. It was an interactive space, and I think Web 2.0 is of course a piece of jargon, nobody even knows what it means. If Web 2.0 for you is blogs and wikis, then that is people to people. But that was what the Web was supposed to be all along".[2] Berner-Lee had a different interpretation of Web 1.0. Instead of looking at it from a user interface, he looked at it as the start of connecting people. Web in general has always been about people involvement, so he could not define Web 2.0 as connecting people and collaborating information.

The future of Web 2.0 is scary, yet fascinating to think about. The development of web 2.0 brings about semantic web. According to University College of Dublin (UCD), they defined Semantic Web as extending “the current web to as web data”, adding “machine processable meaning to World Wide Web documents”, and developing “formalizes what is done every day by web users, but makes it possible for machines to do the work”. [3]  UCD describes the semantic web as a linking a data. For example by typing the word, “Mahwah”, the web will locate the weather, area, landmarks, and etc. The web will find all possible information relating to the word, “Mahwah”. Machines will be able to take the jobs of web users. 

In conclusion, the progressive development of Web 2.0 has grown in communication. However some may say the development has always been the same. The web is fascinating and relatively new, but as time continues, it may be hard to determine its possible limits.

[1] http://blog.vovici.com/blog/bid/18085/Web-1-0-vs-Web-2-0
[2] http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/berners-lee_disses_web20.php
[3] http://www.slideshare.net/is20090/future-of-web-20-the-semantic-web - slide 9

T2.6: Blog Enhancement

T1.5

General system theory describes a system characterized by the interactions of its components and the nonlinearity of those interactions.[1] Any kind of kind of systems can be applied, even to nursing. My aunt is a nurse and she uses the Nursing Process as a System (NPS), my live example for the project. The system is divided into two systems; open and closed. An example of a closed system refers to the chemical reactions inside a test tube. When the NPS is considered an open, it’s when the system is affected by the environment. The environment is constantly interacting with human organisms and exchanging information.[2] In all similar systems, there are purposes. The purpose of NPS is to improve decision-making and policy development, identify health disparities, and increase quality of nursing care.

The Nursing System is similar to Information System by having the same 4 components —such as input, process or throughput, output, and feedback. In the Nursing System, the input is the processing data resulting from the client’s assessment with the environment. The following domains could be psychological, sociocultural, environmental, physiological, spiritual, or physiological. Then the process or throughput is the content of information and product. In the output is the client’s health status of stability or improvement as a result of nursing care. The feedback gives information on how it functions. The key to a good nursing system is communication. [2][3]

An example the Nursing System in use, I received a client who is in a psychological and physiological state. This is would be considered input. The process consists of assessing the client, diagnosing, planning/implementing, and evaluating. The assessment leads to the diagnosis of anxiety/fear, and after I implement a nursing intervention. Interventions are consisted of routines, encourage verbalization of fear, distil a calm and restful environment, and possibly medication. After the evaluation, and once it is successful, the process leads to the desired outcome. The desired output is verbalization with the feeling less anxiousness, usual sleeping patter, relaxed facial expression and body movement, vital signs, and ability to interact with others. Finally, feedback from client’s recovery and possible room for improvements that could have quickened the process, any medical errors, etc. [4][5]

Applying general system theory to nursing demonstrates the application to any kind of system. Component and nonlinear interaction is what makes the system concepts, and an example of that is Nursing Process System. Like all systems, NPS has a specific purpose which is to deliver and organize the best quality care.

Reference:

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory#General_systems_research_and_systems_inquiry

[2]http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhomepages.wmich.edu%2F~macdonal%2FSW%25206680.05%2FUnderstanding%2520General%2520Systems%2520TheoryThis%2520theory%2520was%2520developed%2520by.doc&ei=7o8EUMbTGMrX0QHhmYDnCA&usg=AFQjCNFVwXKYs_XpPTKIugtzazAsm5HHhA&sig2=-nytCvmd-Nxt3yfbdVGt4A

[3]http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety

[5]http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww1.us.elsevierhealth.com%2FSIMON%2FUlrich%2FConstructor%2Fdiagnoses.cfm%3Fdid%3D49&ei=lLkEUJWnHsr50gHszt3uCA&usg=AFQjCNFDUTNfQvh7XChava6CxPGfD5yzmQ&sig2=Anba4vOPmaHeZga3SAEnrg

Monitoring Social Networks


With over 900 million users, Facebook is the most popular social networking site. Registration is required to gain access, and then the user can create a profile, add friends, and join groups and communities. From there, people post dialogues on their wall and share images from their photo albums. Users spend hours “Facebooking.” Inevitably, this attracted many social media monitoring companies. As an entrepreneur, I believe using services like Facebook creates alternative strategies, such as new products and differentiation, giving companies an advantage.

Considering the amount of information shared via Facebook, communication contributes to the construction of merchandise. Figuring out new products will increase my company’s value and market shares. In addition, innovative products promote productivity and decrease expenses of the company. Depending on what I create, I could expand my merchandises anywhere in the world. Facebook has a diverse audience; therefore, businesses can capture similar interest and market products toward different cultures. This can lead to national expansion in additional products, better quality, and more choices.

Although there are many advantages for social media, there are also disadvantages against the company. Some may argue that new products may lower market shares, but that will not be a problem if my company can speed to market. Speed of market is the reduction of time products and service to customers. People argue that differentiation may lead of unsatisfied customers, but in reality, feedback from Facebook users keep companies alive.

In conclusion, social media may be used in all sorts of ways, it is constantly changing. However, the benefits of social media clearly outweigh the costs. It attracts advertisers with the intention to become competitive. As an entrepreneur, I would use services such as Facebook to stay competitive with the help of strategies. The amount of time spent on Facebook adds stocks and values, where productivity increases and expenses decrease. My company may also benefit from different products through national expansion. Social media is necessary in today’s world, and these benefits continue to advance society in better communication.

According to Socailmedia.biz, Radian6 is number 1 out of 20 social media services. Radian 6 not only uses Facebook, but other social media sites like Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. I would use Radian 6 to hire people of influence, identify existing competitors or new entrants, and utilize information to form innovative products and services. New employers could create innovative ideas or advance advertisement plans.

Radians 6 also have a search bar engine to allow resource-based view, a method of gaining a competitive advantage. Advantages gained by identifying other rivalry, includes analyzing their uses of resources and assets. The engine also allows searches for new entrants to dissuade them.

The best features Radians 6 has is their bars and graphs. The summary graphs share voice engaged in social media, which would benefit in establishing customer’s needs and wants. This allows my company to focus on customer orientation and production. Social media has brought about changes, not only for users, but businesses alike.

Gadget
These are the steps I used to attach a Gadget to my blog:

Sign into Gmail account > View blog > Design > Widget Edit (under Header) > Add a Gadget

The purpose of a widget is to enhance my blog.
The gadget I choose is the Total Pageviews. It adds value to my blog by displaying the popularity and traffic through statistics.


Hardware/Software
Through the expansion of mobile commerce, hardware and/or software are needed. A business in Mobile Health Care would need hardware -- such as touch screens, portable computers, GPS, portable printers, and etc. In addition, Mobile Health Care needs software, the controlling operations of hardware. Software allows charting data, medical history, treatment, procedures. With that said, these are the following software to provide the best possible outcome for my clients:
Application software (MyHealthService) – Software is made by a vender named, My Health Services. The purpose of the program is to monitor the client’s blood pressure. It is important to monitor blood pressure for the risk of health problems increases as time progresses. The earlier the detection, the quicker a health care provider can start treatment. (http://www.my-health-software.com/view/apps/my-blood-pressure)
Word Processing (Electronic Typewriter plus word processor)– Word processor is important in health care because it allows providers to write up letters or documentation, and quick and easy repots catering towards any client on the spot. Being able to write up reports reduces time and increase productivity. (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Electronic+Typewriter+plus+word+processor)
Spreadsheet analysis – A software for mobile practice is spreadsheets analysis. This allows clients and health care providers to visually break down client’s expenses for the use of my services. In addition, spreadsheet benefits the company by displaying the budget, profits, data, and analyze investment.
Data Application – Another software is data application, for it monitors client care. With data application, it allows retrieving data, process, and storage. The application allows any sort of editing or organization. In other words, providers can input medical problems, treatments, procedures, and updates.
Graphic Program (Smart Draw) – Might not be the best software for mobile purposes, but it still has its benefits. Graphic program allows the creation of drawings, illustrations, and graphics. As a health provider, brochures are a method of educating the public on disease, epidemics, or any announcement related to health. (http://www.smartdraw.com/)

Hardware/Software Spreadsheet
https://sheet.zoho.com/public/info224/untitled-spreadsheet-1


The value of my spreadsheet is to show the required hardware and software in a small mobile business through data -- such as cost, description, and item. The purpose of hardware and software is to allow businesses to gain a competitive advantage.

zolo spreadsheet > embed to blog > (Copy URL and HTML to notepad)

Blog > Design > Add a Gaget (On right hand side) > HTML/JavaScript > (Paste HTML > Save

Blog > Design > (Move Just Installed Gaget to left hand side) > Save

Task 4 - A1.4 Value Chain

Task 4 - A1.4 Value Chain

I open an online internet store called, “CD World” for students to buy and sell their CDs. My company’s value depends on our customers.  My value chain would look as presented:

Upstream Management
Chain element 1: Find/recruit participating students to sell/donate their CDs.
Chain element2:  Give them prepaid P.O Box shipping labels via e-mail to my warehouse and inbound tracking numbers.
Chain element3: CD quality is rated, keeping only above “good condition” CDs inside the warehouse.  The other CDs will be given back or thrown out.
Chain element4(contains multiple elements): Kept CDs are categorized by genre, alphabetically from their last name, first/band name, bar-coded, and scanned into the computer system for inventory control and stock levels.

Downstream Management
Chain element 5: Finished product or packaged CDs is stored and ready to be sent out.
Chain element 6: Outbound logistics gets distributed through the mail or in warehouse pick-up.
Chain element7:  Promote planning system with advertisement around campuses, social media, and merchandize towards students about CD World's website.
Chain element8: On the company's website will have a feedback system with surveys after successful order and incentives (coupons, possible prizes) for completion of surveys.

Adding a Gadget

These are the steps I used to attach a Gadget to my blog:

Sign into Gmail account > View blog  > Design > Widget Edit (under Header) > Add a Gadget

The purpose of a widget is to enhance my blog.
The gadget I choose is the Total Pageviews. It adds value to my blog by displaying the popularity and traffic through statistics.

Analyzing Value of Information System of Birchbox

What qualifying values does Birchbox have in the information system?  Birchbox is a privately owned business which started back in September 2012. The company’s audience began with the female population, and later extended towards the male gender in April 2012.  It offers a monthly subscription of luxurious beauty samples ranging from lifestyle to skincare; and it has an online shop.  Birchbox has been successfully profiting through the use of business electronic commerce.

Birchbox has a method of collecting data through their own customers or from other competitors.  Data collected are mainly about the type of products and high demands.  The beauty of using e-commerce is that all collected data are executed over the internet.

Once all the raw data is obtained, Birchbox using processing to create useful outputs by taking action, comparing data, developing calculations, and storing them for future benefits.

After the process is complete, dissemination follows with reports and documentation. Usually in Birchbox’s case, information moves their supply chain management, internet marketing, and other groups involved in their output.

Finally, Birchbox has a feedback link for consumers who have purchased any products during the month.  They also receive insight of consumer needs and demands from social media – such as facebook, Pintrest, Instagram, Twitter, and Google+.  The feedback provides updates, adjustments, and corrections on input, processing, and output.

Through Birchbox’s information system, they predicted a high demand for new products that would bring in revenue.  With revenue, additional information systems and technology may be gained to create even more profit.

Although Birchbox has e-commerce, it has yet to start mobile commerce.  They would benefit greatly with mobile marketing and advertising, or content purchase. 

https://www.birchbox.com/

-I moved the entry- Sam