Computer sciences and Information technology Article

Computer sciences and Information technology - Article Example 11, 1994). Large companies have so many systems in use within their organizations that range from employee time recording systems, accounting systems, claims systems, manufacturing systems, and sales planning systems just to name a few. If you lay on top of these systems an ERP system such as Oracle or SAP then you have to develop numerous interfaces so that the systems can pass information back and forth. The one point I do not agree with the author is with the statement about generic applications, â€Å"When companies buy a generic application, they buy a generic process as well. Both the cost savings and the interoperability benefits make the sacrifice of distinctiveness unavoidable† (Carr, p.44, 2003). Industry specific software is not a one size fits all. I have been involved with ERP implementations and the software out of the book has never given the company exactly what they need. Referring back to the Software’s Chronic Crisis article once again, the author wri tes â€Å"The biggest challenge is to find ways of cutting the ties that inherently bind programs to specific computers and to other programs†¦a common language that could be used to describe software parts, programs that reshape components to match any environment, and components that have lots of optional features a user can turn on or off† (Gibbs, p. 11, 1994). By creating software components that have optional features that can be turned on and off depending on the business’ processes, IT can then create customized systems to match the needs of the business better. My Response 1 I would disagree with the assertion that the comments made that software and hardware has become inexpensive, software and hardware are still expensive; however, I agree that most firms, small business have access to both hardware and software as are multinationals. I would also disagree that information technology does not provide economic advantage as was in the past; this is incorre ct since firms with efficient IT systems achieve efficiency in their operations, reducing operating costs and overheads and would thus have economic advantage on firms with inefficient IT systems or lack of IT systems. With respect to the comment above, I would agree with its author that Carr’s (44) assertion that purchasing of a generic application by a company means the purchase of a generic process, as well. Specific software for specific industries does not necessarily serve different firms in the industry the same way, entirely, and efficiently-it’s not a one size fit all. Over the count/shelf software, as several studies have shown, does not meet the exact needs of the company. Question 1 – Classmate Comment 3 I would say that, based on the article â€Å"IT Doesn’t Matter,† the author makes the point very clearly that IT, in fact, does matter quite a bit. He explains how good IT is now an absolutely crucial part of being competitive in busine ss (Carr 46). His point of course is that it has become so ubiquitous that just having good IT no longer automatically produces a business advantage over competitors. IT is now simply one of many â€Å"costs of doing business.† It has become a commodity like electricity, transportation or Internet connectivity. Much like Internet connectivity, it is difficult to imagine how a business could be successful these days without robust IT integrated

Different Types of Technology used in Criminal Justice Essay

Different Types of Technology used in Criminal Justice - Essay Example Drug testing technology has become a common factor in the American criminal society. Drug testing’s application is far-reaching in many fields such as police forces, airline pilots, federal employees and even participants in school sports. Also, prospective executives of the National Institute of Justice have to go through drug tests as regulations of employment. In the field of criminal justice, the moderately inexpensive and considerably powerful drug test to determine drug use has opened a broad range of issues that reach into unfamiliar territories of policy, law and practice. Criminal fighting agencies use this technology to fight drug abuse in America mostly the police force and anti drug agencies. Another influential technology is the DNA technology. DNA allows criminal fighting agencies to match a genetic sample to a person at a mathematical level that has total assurance. DNA tests are frequently used in roughly all jurisdictions across the country. DNA testing is use d in connecting a suspect to a crime (Lazer, 2004). A key agency that uses this technology in the U.S. is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Concealed weapons detection technology is a technology that permits criminal fighting agencies to locate hidden weapons. Police officers, court security officers plus other enforcement officials can now predict whether or not a person is carrying a firearm (Gibbons, 1988). This helps to maintain law and order in the society since people carrying firearms could easily be tracked (Gibbons, 1988). Information technology helps criminal fighting agencies to locate information regarding crime or a location that is prone to criminal activities. Police officers can verify the history of a suspect through fingerprints, fill in paperwork in the squad car through using a hand-sized laptop, and go back to patrol. This technology is mostly used by the police force such as probation officers to track the activities of probationers