Understanding the Differences Between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0
Differences Between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0
A Web 2.0 is a second-generation interactive internet-based service that enables people to collaborate, share information, and create news services online, including mashups, blogs, RSS, wikis, and social networks. A Web 3.0 is the future vision of the web where all digital information is woven together with intelligent search capabilities. Sometimes, this is referred to as the semantic web.
Alternative Methods for Building Information Systems
The oldest method for building systems is the systems life cycle, which requires that information systems be developed in formal stages. The stages must proceed sequentially and have defined outputs. Each requires formal approval before the next stage can commence. The systems life cycle is useful for large projects that need formal specifications and tight management control over each stage of systems building, but it is very rigid and costly.
Prototyping consists of building an experimental system rapidly and inexpensively for end users to interact with and evaluate. Prototyping encourages end user involvement in systems development and iteration of design until specifications are captured accurately. The rapid creation of prototypes can result in systems that have not been completely tested or documented or that are technically inadequate for a production environment.
End user development is the development of information systems by end users either alone or with minimal assistance from information systems specialists. Outsourcing consists of using an external vendor to build a firm’s information systems instead of the organization’s internal information systems staff.
Difference Between IT and IS
Information technology consists of all the hardware and software that a firm needs to use to achieve its business objectives. Information systems are more complex; an information system can be defined technically as a set of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization. An information system:
- Supports decision making, coordination, and control.
- Helps employees analyze problems.
- Helps employees visualize complex subjects.
- Helps create new products.
Impact of IT on Corporate Strategies
A firm’s ability to effectively use IT is interdependent with its ability to implement corporate strategies and achieve corporate goals. More and more, the ability to compete and succeed depends on a company’s ability to implement technology. What a business would like to do in the future can depend on what its systems will be able to do.
Defining Operational Excellence
Operational excellence is the achievement of higher levels of productivity, efficiency, and profitability. It can help achieve operational excellence by improving communications with suppliers and optimizing the supply chain. It could help managers communicate with stakeholders more efficiently, enable technological innovation in products, minimize warehouse overhead, and streamline distribution.