Abstract In this article, the writer discusses Big Byte Computers, Inc., which is a manufacturer of personal computers, with annual sales of $5 billion. The writer maintains that due to the competitive pressures of the marketplace, Big Byte must identify and implement cost savings in its production and distribution processes designed to contain price-to-customer and improve profitability. The writer notes that currently, Big Byte is considering revamping its logistics processes, in order to pursue a more comprehensive approach to supply chain management. Such a move could entail changing its partnership with current logistics provider, CBL Logistics. In order to determine the most appropriate path, a SWOT analysis is needed to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that exist from moving from its current situation to one in which a trusted partner is potentially dropped and an existing system is potentially altered. This report provides such an analysis.
From the Paper "There are a number of strengths evident in the current BBC situation. First, a simple process for inbound and outbound shipping and centralized logistics management has been established. This fact facilitates comparison with any new approach suggested. If, at this point, it is argued that BBC's costs are too high it is likely due to transportation and production process costs. Unnecessary redundancies have been eliminated, as have accounting uncertainties. In order to lower costs, therefore, it becomes clear that the company must change the processes. The choice before the company, in other words, is a stark one. Such clarity of choice can be beneficial when deciding a way forward to improve return on investment because it facilitates analysis and saves time."
Abstract The following essay attempts to prove that networking hardware are incompatible and work at different speeds. The writer contends that these factors can also slow down the overall speed of the LAN. Random Access Memory hardware systems and Central Processing Unit hardware systems are made reference to.
From the paper:
?On certain LAN configurations, such as the Bus and the Ring, an increase in the number of nodes, slows down the LAN. This is because Bus and Ring are designed in such a way that a data packet meant for a particular workstation, gets exclusive rights to the entire LAN cable. In other words, while a packet moves from its source to destination, no other packet is allowed on the network cable.?
Abstract This paper addresses the benefits such as speed and reliability of transfering information through the world wide web. It explains how the technology developed and how traditional modes of communication are now adapting to incorporate the internet.
From the Paper "The information technology revolution always aims to create the most reliable media that enables fast and safe communication process. Speed, quality and cost are the basic requirement for current information system demands. In prior time people only relied on traditional wire, fax machine, telephone and even snail mail to send messages and data to their network. They were unreliable for so many reasons such as the originality of the information, the tardiness from the transportation delay, and the cost it might take for long distance connection."
Abstract This paper discusses the "architecture" of data warehouses and briefly describes possible future developments in data warehouses as well as restrictions in data warehouse technology.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Data Warehousing: Brief History
Data Warehouse Architecture
Restrictions
The Present and the Future
Conclusions
From the Paper "There is little question that many critical enterprises in the world of today are dependent on quick and dependable access to information. From the halls of academia, to the world of business-science to medicine-the ability to readily access critical information within any particular organization or working entity is essential to survival and growth. However, even in today's technology-driven industries, it is often difficult for companies and other organizations to effectively provide the most comprehensive and critical internal information to those who need it."
Abstract This paper explains that Michael L. Dertouzos' "What Will Be" about computers was written in 1997. The author states that the Forward is written by Bill Gates. The paper relates that the Appendix outlines the technical principles behind computers and information technology.
From the Paper "The Forward to this book is written by Bill Gates, the famous and often controversial head of the world's largest software firm Microsoft. Gates outlines author Dertouzos' distinctive qualifications for writing the book as a pioneer in information technology and its applications and current member of the consortium that manages the technical aspects of the Internet. Gates characterizes the potential of this technology as ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the longstanding rivalry between IBM PC-compatible systems and Apple Macintosh computers to determine specifically which type of laptop is best for the average consumer. The author compares Apple's MacOS X 10.4 with Microsoft Windows Vista Premium Edition and explains that the former has been shown to be consistently more stable than its Microsoft counterpart. Apple's dual processor strategy and its implication for the consumer is also described. However, in sheer numbers, Microsoft has far more customers,and almost ten times as many developers as Apple, and statistics show that the breadth and depth of applications generated for IBM PC-compatible laptops are far greater than those generated for the Apple Macintosh. The author compares prices, warranties and software, and concludes that the Apple PowerBook G4 clearly delivers exceptionally more value for a lower price given the software and warranty included in the standard price.
Outline:
Introduction
Operating System Price/Performance Comparisons
Ergonomics and Usability
Developer Communities and New Application Development
Feature Comparison
Conclusion
From the Paper "The largest value-added cost component of any laptop is the software royalties paid to 3rd party companies for the use of their operating systems and applications. It is common for $75 or more per IBM PC-compatible laptop to be paid to Microsoft for use of their operating system alone (Frakes, 2006). In fact Microsoft is known for having an expensive enterprise licensing model (Hedgebeth, 2007) which has forced many laptop manufacturers to consider open source operating systems including Linux. The cost for Microsoft Office on an IBM PC-compatible laptop can also add an additional $150 or more to the cost of manufacturing the laptop was well."
