Essential Concepts in Information Technology and Digital Business
Core IT Fundamentals
Triple Convergence in IT
Content, devices, and sectors.
Information System Functions
- Obtain
- Process
- Store
- Distribute
Network Protocols and Addressing
Key Network Protocols Explained
- How to connect different devices? IP Protocol
- How to manage the exchange of information? TCP Protocol
- How to provide services? TCP/IP Protocol
- How to surf the Net? HTTP, HTML, etc.
IP Address Functions
IP addresses serve two principal functions:
- Host or network interface identification
- Location addressing
Software and Operating Systems
Core Functions of Software
- Computer resources management
- Building tools for users and resources
- Organization of stored information
Operating System Functions
- User – hardware interaction
- Improving system efficiency
- Ensuring the safety of the system, data, and programs
- Simulating functionalities
- Platform for computer programs
Application Software Definition
Application software (an application) is a set of computer programs designed to permit the user to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities.
Enterprise Systems and Delivery Models
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a model of software delivery where the software company provides maintenance, daily technical operation, and support for the software provided to their client.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Key characteristics of ERP systems:
- An integrated system that operates in (or near) real time without relying on periodic updates.
- A common database that supports all applications.
- A consistent look and feel across modules.
Application Service Provider (ASP)
An ASP is a business providing computer-based services to customers over a network.
Data, Intelligence, and CRM
Business Intelligence (BI)
BI is a set of theories, methodologies, architectures, and technologies that transform raw data into meaningful and useful information for business purposes.
Big Data Definition
Big Data refers to high-volume, high-velocity, and/or high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing that enable enhanced insight, decision making, and process automation.
Benefits of Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Quality and efficiency
- Decrease in overall costs
- Decision support
- Enterprise agility
- Customer attention
- Increased profitability
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
Cloud Computing Definition
Cloud computing is a style of computing where massively scalable IT-enabled capabilities are provided “as a service” over the network.
Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing
- Accessibility
- Agility
- Service Management
- Virtualization
- Flexibility
- Cost Efficiency
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides companies with computing resources, including servers, networking, storage, and data center space, on a pay-per-use basis.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a cloud-based environment with everything required to support the complete lifecycle of building and delivering web-based (cloud) applications.
Network Security Essentials
Firewall Definition
A firewall is software or hardware used to maintain the security of a private network.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a private network that is built over a public infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Threats
Rootkit
A rootkit is software used by a hacker to gain constant administrator-level access to a computer or network.
Spoofing
Spoofing involves redirecting a web link to an address different from the intended one.
E-commerce and Digital Trends
Key Features of E-commerce
- Ubiquity
- Global reach
- Universal standards
- Information richness
- Interactivity
- Information density
- Personalization/customization
- Social technology (User Content Generation and Social Networking)
Omnichannel Strategy
While omnichannel strategies use multiple channels to engage customers, they distinguish themselves through two additional factors: consistency and a focus on the devices involved within client interactions.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is a distributed database that maintains a continuously growing list of ordered records called blocks.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
RSS is a web feed that allows users to be automatically updated with new content from the web.
Social Media Building Blocks
- Identity
- Conversations
- Sharing
- Presence
- Relationships
- Reputation
- Groups
Semantic Web
The Semantic Web is defined as “a web of data that can be processed directly and indirectly by machines.”