Abstract This paper analyzes the evolution of Extensible Markup Language (XML) which has become a major server side resource for web site presentations. It examines how the standard HTML had become a rigid and standardized mark-up language for browsers and how XML was designed from its inception to be flexible enough to describe any kind of mark up schema that the industry could devise. It looks at how the most basic use for XML is to describe the data structure of the provided data, however its ability for data transformations has made it into the database world for transferring data from one table schema to another one. Today it has become the de facto format for modern configuration files, and every major vendor has XML in their product offering in one form or another. XML hasn?t replaced HTML; instead it has found a companion role in providing the data that is presented in HTML.
From the Paper "When XML was first designed, many people thought that XML would be quickly adopted as a replacement for HTML. At first, XML was used to describe scientific terms and domains such as chemistry and music. This
never really caught on beyond the small groups who championed their
mark-ups. Instead, XML has become more of a server side tool than a presentation tool. However, HTML 4 has been extended into XHTML. Even though this is a new standard, compatibility with existing HTML user agents is possible by following a small set of guidelines. This means that the original vision might yet be realized as more tools are developed that produce content in this format."
Abstract This paper examines the famous case of Napster being sued by the RIAA over copyright infringement by their technology that allowed individual users to share personal recordings across the Internet. It looks at the arguments from both sides against restraint, the legal position of both sides and the ethics of the whole episode. It evaluates how Napster's enterprise deprived artists of their rightful profit from their work even though it probabley was not the intent upon Napster's entry into the marketplace and whether Napster were really at fault since they posted the copyright rules on their web site.
From the Paper "The RIAA claimed that Napster did not have any non-infringing uses that were commercially significant. The RIAA also claimed that copying off a television program is different than copying and distributing off a cd. Napster's position was that they were comparable to Sony because they are providing the directory that enables users to use it for non-infringing purposes. In this phase of the argument, both parties made reference to the Universal City Studios v. Sony case. Which determined that it was OK to videotape television shows for personal use. In Sony, why isn't it acceptable to copy music from the Internet for personal use?"
Abstract This paper discusses the effects and issues related to web-based customer service, focusing on e-service and customer relationship management tools. Traditional customer services are compared to Web-based service and benefits of self-sufficient customers and responsive Web sites are explained. Ethical, social, and economic concerns revolving around web-based customer service are addressed, focusing on the challenges that lie in integrating Web-based marketing, service, support and communication with traditional channels and the organizations that support them. In critiquing this technology, strategies are recommended for implementation and improvement of current online support.
From the Paper "Traditionally, the "concept of e-commerce has been associated with providing information, expressing brand awareness, and telling the corporate story in the virtual marketplace"(Ruyter 2001). Increasingly, businesses are also using "virtual storefronts" to sell and distribute their products (Ruyter 2001). However, a 100-year trend tells us that today's economy is changing (Rust 2001). Business is no longer ?one size fits all,? mass marketing is being replaced by a consumer economy. According to Dan Flack, program director at IBM Americas, "Businesses must change their mass economy marketing habits and make an organizational commitment to do business on customer terms" (Flack 2001). Rather than merely supplying information and selling products, companies must provide "consumers with a superior experience with respect to the interactive flow of information" (Rust 2001). Increasing consumer expectations of the buying experience, with respect to self-sufficiency and personalization, have resulted in the rise of e-services in the virtual marketplace. E-service encapsulates the imperative building blocks of web-based customer service: self-service, responsive web sites, and consumer tracking."
Abstract Analysis of the company's strengths and weaknesses. Management strategies. Problems faced by AOL and possible solutions. Describes makeup of company and its interactive services, etc.) SWOT analysis (internal and external environment). Porter's Five Forces analysis. Contends AOL's P/E ratios are out of whack in relation to its value. Three charts.
From the Paper "AOL Business Analysis
1. Overview
This analysis of America Online (AOL) will detail some of the strengths and weaknesses of that company, and consider some of the strategies that its management has undertaken. The analysis will also consider some of the problems that the company faces, and suggest possible solutions for those problems. AOL is a complex company, and it is essential to describe some parts of the business in detail.
AOL is a division of AOL Time-Warner, which is a media conglomerate. AOL is headquartered in Dulles Virginia, and as its primary business is an Internet Service Provider with more than 30 million online customers, who pay a monthly fee of $24 for the service.
America Online..."
Abstract Examines benefits to employers and privacy issues of employees. Current state of the law (federal & state). Political and moral issues. Differing views of labor and business groups. Cites legal cases & decisions. Difference between a supervisor watching & employee video cameras. Employee rights advocates.
From the Paper "Should an employer be allowed to conduct video surveillance of its employees in the workplace? No, say employees, who feel that such surveillance violates their right to privacy. Yes, say employers, who argue that employees have no right to privacy in the employer's workplace, and the employer's need to prevent misconduct and maximize productivity outweigh the privacy interests of employees. This paper will examine this question, focusing on the current state of the law (both federal and state) and the continuing political and moral debate among labor and business groups.
Employers utilize video surveillance for a variety of reasons. Situations that require scrutiny include suspicion of drug use, conducting personal business on company time, revealing trade secrets, surfing the Internet, and harassment issues..."
Abstract Examines concerns over computer invasion of privacy. Electronic data-processing equipment. Pravacy problems involved in government, corporations & financial institutions gathering private electronic information. Growth of database information & ways in which private data is used by organizations. Concerns of public. Selling software programs & information.
From the Paper "Corporations have long used what we might call private data for a competitive advantage. What has changed recently is that with the increasing use of the computer, companies can access even more such data than ever before and perhaps make better use of it. Every company develops its own database of private information based simply on its own clientele, with information such as income levels, residency patterns, spending habits, and so on. Today, computer services gather and collate the same type of information on a much broader scale, making use of data gathered by everything from credit card use to swiping a supermarket club card at the checkout counter. Financial institutions possess a mass of private data by which they can make decisions and target consumers on such things as loans, sales of financial instruments, and similar issues."
Abstract Examines reliance of contemporary executives on IT to conduct business. Impact of Internet & the World Wide Web (WWW) on business. Variables & changes that characterize the industry. Resistence to change. How chaos theory can be applied to change the role of IT from a reactive to a proactive organization. Discusses the IT approach in which theoretical and applied IT professionals can work together.
From the Paper "Introduction
Information Technology has grown out of Information Systems, which were formerly Management Information Systems, which often started as Data Processing groups. The various titles given to these departments illustrate the evolution of the role that information plays within organizations, and the increasingly important role that computers play as part of managing that information. Today's executives depend on information technology not only to provide them with critical reports, but to conduct business in ways which were not thought of even ten years ago. The Internet and World Wide Web has increased the reliance of companies on technology, and the factors which shape that technology have become increasingly complex. This research considers how chaos theory can be applied to changing the role of information technology ..."
Abstract Comparison of the two retailers. Compares a physical store with a electronic market. SWOT analysis of both operations (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Discusses similarities. Nordstrom as a major upscale retailer, "shopping as entertainment" concept, low sales record. Business model of Bluefly.com, an Internet retailer of discounted designer fashion brands.
From the Paper "Comparison of BlueFly.com and Nordstroms
When comparing a "brick and mortar" store with a "click and buy" or "click and brick" operation, the only valid way to pursue the analysis is to concentrate on operations that sell roughly the same products and target the same customers. In this respect, both Bluefly.com and Nordstrom's have many similarities: A) They both target upscale customers; B) They both offer a wide variety of merchandise that is at the top of the market; and, C) They are both desperately in search of identity. We shall first perform SWOT Analyses of the two operations.
Nordstroms, Inc. (Brick and Mortar)
Nordstrom's is Number 320 in the Fortune 500, and is one of the Standard & Poor's 500 major companies. It is in the most competitive of all sectors, retail; and within the retail sector, it is in the
Abstract The writer shows the advantages of the way in which the Dell Computer Company and Gateway Computer Company sell directly to the buyer, providing not only economic benefits inherent in maintaining virtually no inventory, but also allowing them to interact directly with their customers.
From the Paper "PC marketers are having a harder time than before as the saturation begins to take hold in the market; household computer penetration is rising past 50%. With the advent of inexpensive (and even free) machines, the computer hardware industry is moving toward commoditization. (Brandweek, June 21, 1999). PC prices are falling and the public is looking more and more at wireless options for Internet access representing computing, content and communications; desktop machines are less the center of consumer attention and sales than before."
Tags: sales, hardware, consumer, communications, business
Abstract The paper shows how these two companies function as part of the enormous and ever-growing software, internet, and computer market of today. Oracle and Sybase have some overlapping functions; however, the paper focuses on the different services they provide to the world market.
From the Paper "Sybase, Inc., located in Emeryville, California, is a global provider of software solutions for businesses to manage, deliver and distribute information across mixed computing environments. Sybase, Inc. develops relational database systems for computers distributed in networks. (Money Central Investor, www.msn.com, 12/16/00). The company's primary markets include financial service providers, insurance companies, telecommunications companies and defense and government agencies. The company's software products may be utilized on hardware platforms including those manufactured by Compaq (Digital, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun Microsystems. They are able to handle a wide range of operating systems including UNIX applications, Windows, Window NT and Linux."
Abstract The writer gives details of available jobs in the high tech field and what level of education and expertise one must possess in order to find success in the growing field of computers and the internet. The writer shows how the skills necessary vary across the fields of design, database administrators and system administrators.
From the Paper "Web Designers are responsible for the layout and graphical design of Web pagers and training and certification is the next step for graphic artists who have published in print and in other media. This is also a path by which Web content managers can get the skills they need to design and create Web pages that meet an organizations corporate and marketing objectives."
Abstract This paper looks at various types of Internet connections including Dial-up, Ethernet, Cable, T1 Line Communications, and DSL. It discusses the characteristics and functions of each. It compares which connection is most suitable for specific needs - personal or office use etc.
Table of Contents
Ethernet
Overview
How Ethernet Works
Advantages
Disadvantages
Setting up Ethernet
Dial-up Modems
How Dial-up Modems Work
Dial-up Modem Advances
Dial-up Modem Standards
Cable Modems
How Cable Modem Works
Cable Modem Standard
Advantages of Cable
Disadvantages of Cable
Digital Subscriber Line
Advantages of DSL
Features of DSL
DSL vs. Dial-up
DSL vs. ISDN
DSL vs. Cable
Computer requirements for DSL
Disadvantages of DSL
T1 Communications Line
Characteristics of T1 Line Communications
How T1 Communications Work
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Ethernet Overview
Ethernet is the most common way of networking today. Today's Ethernet networks are 10BaseT or 100BaseT, which allows data to pass at 10-100 Megabits per second. Ethernet is a good system because it has stood the test of time, it is easily available and it offers flexibility.
How Ethernet Works
When one Ethernet station transmits all of the stations in the medium hear the transmission. Today the Ethernet refers to both Ethernet implementation and the IEEE 802.3 standards. Ethernet devices attach to a common medium for the electronic signals to pass through. Today, twisted pair or fiber-optic cabling are the most common cables used. The stations or nodes communicate in short messages called frames. In the Ethernet the destination address is the most critical to identify who will receive the frame."
This paper examines how the tourism industry is turning to technology to build relationships and loyalty with their customers. This paper focuses on three areas: 1) database marketing 2) use of internet and email and 3) emerging trends.
Abstract The report focuses on three items and their impact on the tourism industry. First, how database and loyalty marketing has helped relationship marketing. Second, how Internet and email has affected how customers search for information and purchase. Third, best practices and trends used by companies to gain a competitive advantage in their industry.
From the Paper "Information systems are helping businesses better target their marketing efforts by storing information from customers received from surveys, invoice information, forms and contest giveaways. This allows Managers to execute complex communications programs that reinforce their name and build brand loyalty. Business owners know that to stay in business, some customers have to become repeat and loyal customers. According to an article in Ecom World (Shelton, 1999), customer loyalty is critical for three reasons:
1. Loyal, repeat customers cost less in marketing, support and advertising
2. Positive word-of-mouth from loyal customers brings new customers
3. Customers that have a poor experience will tell others."
Tags: computer, hotel, information, loyalty, management, systems
Abstract The paper makes the claim that entrepreneurship has a vital role in creating technologies for a sustainable economy. According to the writer, the entrepreneur is often the source of technological innovation. The paper shows the impact entrepreneurship has had on the economy in the United States and the ways in which the U.S. government has encouraged entrepreneurs.
From the Paper "We are living in the age of the entrepreneur and of technology. To be sure, this is an era defined by technologies of thinking and forward-looking technology strategies established to create competitive advantage in the fast-paced global economy?it is a time of boundless creative and inventive imaginations that lie in the heart of the entrepreneur, or the individual motivated by the risk of adventure and an insatiable desire to improve, modify, invent, and innovate. Notably, statistics show that entrepreneurial enterprises are the most important players in converting technology to goods and services, to profits and jobs, and that they often support much of the research needed to develop new technologies. As such, the U.S. government has made it clear that it is depending upon the entrepreneur to help increase our supply of technological innovations, a vital source of national security and prosperity (Gibbons, p. 11)."
This research examines various threats facing society from inadequate computer security, and ways in which companies can protect themselves from computer crime.
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of cybercrime and its effects on society. It begins by defining computer crime as illegal activity which uses computers as a means to an end. It then looks at motives for computer security violation and how software is at great risk from this form of crime, through worms and virus spread by malice. The paper then looks at various options available to guard against software threats, such as firewalls and other security techniques. The writer also addresses ethical considerations which need to be taken into account as well as issues of privacy. The paper concludes with a discussion about the future of this problem.
From the Paper "From personal computers in the home used to track checking accounts and keep household inventories in databases to large supercomputers that control space missions and run the world's largest companies, computers have become commonplace. The number of individuals who have access to the information on those computers has increased as the communications industry has undergone a revolution in recent years, and uncontrolled access to information presents a very real threat in most business and some government information. Because of the highly significant role that computers play in modern life, there is a need to keep information on machines secure from tampering, from unauthorized dissemination, and from unauthorized removal. "
