Abstract This paper explores Astrolabe, one of the leading technologies in information management systems, for corporations. It is scalable through hierarchy, flexible through mobile code, robust through peer-to-peer architecture, and secure through digital certificates. The paper further discusses how as such, it becomes an effective and efficient tool for organizations that wish to stay competitive in a hyper-competitive, globalized economy.
From the Paper "As the business world becomes increasingly globalized and increasingly competitive, the management of information becomes evermore important. Without effective and efficient information management systems in place, organizations lose competitiveness. Without these systems, they are not able to effectively access and manipulate perhaps one of their most valuable resources, information, at their command. The increased use of large-scale, highly dynamic, distributed applications, thanks to the increasing availability of low-cost computers and omnipresent network connectivity, calls for scalable management and self-organizational capabilities in a system. Astrolabe, a distributed information management system, was developed to fulfill these requirements."
Abstract The focus of this paper is on Portuguese explorer, Prince Henry the Navigator, and the tools and techniques he introduced to his sailors, which revolutionized sailing and furthered exploration more than anyone else had up to that point.
From the Paper "The Portuguese are an adventurous people, and Henry knew that if he could just capitalize on this, he could drive his sailors to go farther and do more than anyone else had up to that point. From the Muslims, ?[the Portuguese] had learned better ship design, cartography, sailing, and navigation and math skills (European Age of Exploration).? To that end, Henry established an observatory and the first school for navigators in Sagres, Portugal, where he lived. Before the sailors could be taught anything new, however, Henry had to work to convince them that their fears would not come to pass. "Expeditions moved slowly due to the [sailors"] belief that waters at the equator were at the boiling point, that human skin turned black, and that sea monsters would engulf ships (Mariner's Museum).?"
