Understanding Core IT and Business Technology Concepts

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Wireless Network Security Challenges

Wireless networks offer convenience and flexibility, but they also come with a range of security issues that can expose users and organizations to various threats. Below are some of the most common security issues in wireless networks:

• Unauthorized Access (Rogue Access Points)
  • Description: Attackers can set up fake access points (APs) to trick users into connecting.
  • Impact: Allows attackers to intercept traffic and steal credentials.
  • Mitigation: Use WPA3 encryption, enable MAC filtering, monitor for rogue devices.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
  • Description: Attackers intercept communication between two parties without their knowledge.
  • Impact: Data can be altered or stolen during transmission.
  • Mitigation: Use mutual authentication and encrypted communication.
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
  • Description: Attackers flood the network with traffic or signals to disrupt service.
  • Impact: Legitimate users are unable to access the network.
  • Mitigation: Use intrusion detection systems (IDS), monitor traffic, and enable rate limiting.
• Device Theft or Loss
  • Description: Wireless devices like smartphones or laptops can be stolen or lost.
  • Impact: Sensitive information stored or cached on the device may be exposed.
  • Mitigation: Use encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and strong authentication.
• Insecure Default Settings
  • Description: Devices often come with default SSIDs, passwords, and configurations.
  • Impact: These defaults are widely known and can be easily exploited.
  • Mitigation: Change default settings immediately after installation.

Computer-Based Information Systems (CBIS)

A Computer-Based Information System (CBIS) is an organized collection of people, processes, hardware, software, databases, and telecommunications that work together to collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization within an organization.

Key Components of a CBIS

1. Hardware: The physical devices like computers, servers, printers, and networking equipment that support data processing and storage.
2. Software: The programs and applications that run on the hardware and perform data processing. This includes both system software (like operating systems) and application software (like accounting or HR software).
3. Database: An organized collection of data that can be accessed, managed, and updated. It supports efficient data storage and retrieval.
4. People: Users who interact with the system, including IT professionals, end-users, and managers who use the information for decision-making.
5. Processes/Procedures: The rules and guidelines for operating the system and using the information effectively.

Types of Computer-Based Information Systems

1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Handle day-to-day business transactions (e.g., sales, payroll).
2. Management Information Systems (MIS): Provide regular reports and summaries to help managers monitor operations.
3. Decision Support Systems (DSS): Help in decision-making by analyzing large volumes of data and providing simulations or models.
4. Executive Information Systems (EIS): Provide top-level executives with easy access to internal and external information.
5. Enterprise Systems (e.g., ERP, CRM): Integrate business processes and functions across the entire organization.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a strategy, process, and software system used by businesses to manage and analyze interactions with current and potential customers. Its main goal is to improve business relationships, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sales growth by organizing customer information and automating key business functions like marketing, sales, and customer service.

Importance of CRM

1. Improved Customer Service: CRM systems store all customer information in one place, allowing businesses to offer personalized and efficient support.
2. Better Customer Retention: With follow-up reminders, loyalty programs, and personalized communication, CRM helps businesses keep existing customers happy.
3. Increased Sales: CRM helps sales teams track leads and automate processes, making it easier to close deals and manage customer journeys.
4. Streamlined Communication: CRM ensures that every team member has access to the same customer data, promoting better collaboration and a consistent customer experience.
5. Enhanced Data Analysis: With real-time dashboards and reports, companies can understand trends, measure campaign success, and make informed decisions.

Expert Systems and Their Components

An Expert System is a type of computer-based information system that mimics the decision-making ability of a human expert. It uses a knowledge base and inference rules to solve complex problems in a specific domain, such as medical diagnosis, engineering, or finance. Expert systems are designed to provide advice, explanations, or recommendations just like a human expert would.

Components of an Expert System

1. Knowledge Base
   • What it is: The core of the expert system that contains facts and rules about the domain.
   • Example: In a medical expert system, it might include symptoms, diseases, and treatment options.
2. Inference Engine
   • What it is: The “brain” of the system that applies logical rules to the knowledge base to derive conclusions or solutions.
   • Types of reasoning:
     • Forward chaining (data → conclusion)
     • Backward chaining (goal → data needed to support it)
3. User Interface
   • What it is: The communication bridge between the user and the expert system.
   • Purpose: Allows users to input queries and receive answers in an understandable format.
4. Explanation Facility
   • What it is: Explains the reasoning or logic behind the system’s conclusions.
   • Purpose: Builds trust and helps users understand how decisions are made.
5. Knowledge Acquisition Subsystem
   • What it is: Tools and methods used to collect and update the expert knowledge from human experts.
   • Purpose: Keeps the system current and relevant.

Information Systems (IS) in Business

An Information System (IS) is a structured setup that collects, processes, stores, and distributes information to support decision-making, coordination, analysis, and control in an organization. It combines technology, people, and processes to manage data and transform it into meaningful insights for business operations.

Types of Information Systems

1. Transaction Processing System (TPS)
   • Handles routine, day-to-day business transactions.
   • Example: Sales order entry, payroll, inventory management.
2. Management Information System (MIS)
   • Provides summarized reports from TPS for middle managers to monitor and control operations.
   • Example: Monthly sales reports.
3. Decision Support System (DSS)
   • Supports complex decision-making by analyzing large data sets and models.
   • Example: Budget forecasting or financial planning.
4. Executive Information System (EIS)
   • Offers top executives real-time data and dashboards for strategic decision-making.
   • Example: Company-wide performance indicators.
5. Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)
   • Manages customer data and interactions to improve service and retention.
   • Example: Salesforce, HubSpot.
6. Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP)
   • Integrates all departments and functions across a company into a single system.
   • Example: SAP, Oracle ERP.
7. Supply Chain Management System (SCM)
   • Manages and optimizes the flow of goods, data, and finances in the supply chain.
   • Example: Logistics and inventory tracking software.

Importance of Information Systems

1. Improves Efficiency: Automates tasks, reduces human error, and speeds up processes.
2. Enhances Decision-Making: Provides accurate and timely data for strategic planning.
3. Boosts Communication: Facilitates better internal and external communication.
4. Supports Customer Service: Helps maintain detailed customer profiles and history.
5. Competitive Advantage: Enables innovation, better products/services, and faster response to market changes.
6. Data Management: Organizes and secures business-critical information.

Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

M-Commerce (Mobile Commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods and services through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is a subset of e-commerce (electronic commerce) that enables users to perform commercial transactions anywhere, anytime, using wireless technology.

Types of M-Commerce

1. Mobile Shopping: Buying products via mobile apps (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart) or mobile websites.
2. Mobile Banking: Accessing bank accounts, transferring money, and managing finances via mobile apps.
3. Mobile Payments: Payments made through mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paytm) or via UPI, QR codes, and NFC.
4. Mobile Ticketing & Booking: Booking tickets for movies, flights, trains, etc., using mobile platforms.
5. Location-Based Services: Services that use GPS to offer deals, promotions, or services based on the user’s location.

Importance of M-Commerce

1. Convenience: Users can shop or make transactions from anywhere at any time.
2. Faster Transactions: Mobile payment systems are quicker than traditional methods.
3. Wider Reach: Businesses can reach a larger audience through mobile platforms.
4. Customer Engagement: Mobile apps offer push notifications, personalized offers, and loyalty programs.
5. Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for physical stores and printed materials.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a set of communication protocols used to enable mobile devices (like smartphones, tablets, and PDAs) to access internet content and services. WAP was especially important in the early days of mobile internet before smartphones and modern browsers became widespread.

Working Concept of WAP

WAP works by translating web content (written in standard HTML) into a lighter format (WML – Wireless Markup Language) suitable for mobile devices, which had limited processing power, small screens, and low bandwidth. When a user accesses a web service via a WAP-enabled phone:

1. The request is sent from the mobile device to the WAP gateway.
2. The WAP gateway translates the request into standard HTTP and forwards it to the web server.
3. The server processes the request and returns the content (HTML).
4. The WAP gateway converts the HTML into WML.
5. The WML content is sent back to the mobile device, where it’s displayed using a microbrowser.

WAP Architecture: Layers

1. WAE (Wireless Application Environment)
   • Purpose: Provides an environment for running wireless applications (like WML and WMLScript).
   • Role: Acts like the application layer; interacts with users through a microbrowser.
2. WSP (Wireless Session Protocol)
   • Purpose: Maintains the session between the mobile device and server.
   • Role: Supports data exchange and session management; similar to HTTP.
3. WTP (Wireless Transaction Protocol)
   • Purpose: Ensures reliable message delivery.
   • Role: Manages transaction-oriented communication, offering reliability even over unreliable networks.
4. WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security)
   • Purpose: Provides security (encryption, authentication, data integrity).
   • Role: Equivalent to SSL/TLS but optimized for wireless devices.
5. WDP (Wireless Datagram Protocol)
   • Purpose: Acts as the transport layer.
   • Role: Provides a uniform interface over various bearer services (e.g., SMS, GPRS).
6. Bearer Services
   • Purpose: Actual communication channels (network layer).
   • Examples: SMS, USSD, GSM, CDMA, GPRS, 3G, etc.
   • Role: Physical transport of data.

Outsourcing and Offshoring

Outsourcing

Outsourcing is the business practice of hiring an external organization or third party to handle certain tasks, functions, or services that could otherwise be done in-house. Companies outsource to reduce costs, focus on core activities, or gain access to specialized skills.

• Examples: IT support, customer service, payroll processing, manufacturing parts.
• Benefits:
  • Cost savings
  • Access to expertise
  • Improved focus on core business
• Risks:
  • Loss of control over the outsourced function
  • Potential quality issues
  • Dependence on vendors

Offshoring

Offshoring is a specific type of outsourcing where the outsourced work is relocated to a different country, often to take advantage of lower labor costs or favorable economic conditions abroad.

• Examples: A U.S. company having its software development done in India or customer support in the Philippines.
• Benefits:
  • Significant cost reduction due to cheaper labor markets
  • Access to global talent pools
  • Ability to operate 24/7 due to time zone differences
• Risks:
  • Communication barriers (language, culture, time zones)
  • Political or economic instability in the offshore country
  • Potential negative public perception or backlash

Location-Based Commerce (L-Commerce)

Location-Based Commerce (L-Commerce) is a type of mobile commerce (m-commerce) that delivers goods, services, or information to users based on their geographic location in real time. It uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, or beacons to detect the location of a user’s mobile device and provide personalized services accordingly.

How L-Commerce Works

L-Commerce systems track a user’s location using GPS or other location technologies. Once the system knows where the user is, it delivers targeted content—such as deals, advertisements, or service recommendations—relevant to that specific location.

Examples of Location-Based Commerce

1. Nearby Offers: Apps like Google Maps or Zomato show restaurants or stores near your current location.
2. Ride-Hailing Services: Uber and Ola use your location to match you with nearby drivers.
3. Delivery Tracking: Food and package delivery apps track orders in real time.
4. Event Notifications: Sending alerts for events or sales when a user is near a specific area.
5. Retail Check-ins: Apps like Facebook or Swarm let users check in to locations for rewards or social sharing.

Benefits of Location-Based Commerce

1. Personalized Experience: Offers are more relevant based on location.
2. Convenience: Users can find services quickly and easily.
3. Increased Sales: Businesses can attract nearby customers with location-based promotions.
4. Better Targeting: Marketers can focus on specific areas or regions.

E-Commerce vs. E-Business

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL is a technology that provides high-speed internet over regular telephone lines. It allows simultaneous use of internet and voice calls without interference. DSL splits the line into separate frequency bands for voice and data. The most common type is ADSL, which offers higher download speeds than upload speeds. DSL is faster and more reliable than dial-up but slower than fiber optic connections. It is widely used for home and small business internet access.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

ADSL is a type of DSL technology that provides high-speed internet over regular telephone lines. The term asymmetric means that it offers faster download speeds than upload speeds, making it ideal for typical internet users who download more than they upload (e.g., browsing, streaming, video watching). ADSL allows users to access the internet and make phone calls at the same time without interference. It is commonly used for home internet services but is being gradually replaced by faster technologies like fiber optics.

Mobile Network Generations

1G (First Generation)

1G stands for First Generation of mobile network technology, introduced in the 1980s. It used analog signals for voice communication and allowed only voice calls, with no support for texting or internet. 1G had poor sound quality, limited coverage, and low security. It marked the beginning of wireless mobile communication, but was quickly replaced by 2G, which offered digital communication and better reliability.

2G (Second Generation)

2G is the Second Generation of mobile network technology, introduced in the early 1990s. Unlike 1G, 2G used digital signals, which improved voice quality, network capacity, and security. It also introduced new services such as SMS (text messaging) and MMS (multimedia messaging). 2G enabled basic mobile internet access through technologies like GPRS and EDGE, but data speeds were still relatively low. It was a major step forward in mobile communication and laid the foundation for more advanced mobile networks.

3G (Third Generation)

3G stands for the Third Generation of mobile networks, introduced in the early 2000s. It brought faster data speeds compared to 2G, enabling mobile internet browsing, video calling, and multimedia streaming on smartphones. 3G networks supported better voice quality and allowed users to access a variety of online services on the go. It was a major advancement that helped popularize smartphones and mobile apps, bridging the gap between simple calls and full internet connectivity.

4G (Fourth Generation)

4G is the Fourth Generation of mobile network technology, introduced around 2010. It offers high-speed internet access with much faster data rates than 3G, supporting activities like HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing with low latency. 4G uses technologies such as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) to provide reliable, high-quality mobile broadband. It greatly enhanced the mobile experience, enabling seamless access to rich multimedia content and advanced mobile applications.