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316 Part Two Information Technology Infrastructure

• Define and describe VoIP and virtual private • Describe the capabilities of each and for which
networks, and explain how they provide value types of applications each is best suited.
to businesses.
5. Why are RFID and wireless sensor networks
• List and describe alternative ways of locating (WSNs) valuable for business?
information on the Web.
• Define RFID, explain how it works,
• Compare Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. and describe how it provides value to
4. What are the principal technologies and standards businesses.
for wireless networking, communications, and • Define WSNs, explain how they work, and
Internet access? describe the kinds of applications that use
• Define Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMax, and 3G and them.
4G networks.

Discussion Questions

1. It has been said that within the next few years, 2. Should all major retailing and manufacturing
smartphones will become the single most companies switch to RFID? Why or why not?
important digital device we own. Discuss the
3. Compare Wi-Fi and high-speed cellular systems
implications of this statement.
for accessing the Internet. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each?

Hands-On MIS Projects

The projects in this section give you hands-on experience evaluating and selecting communications technology,
using spreadsheet software to improve selection of telecommunications services, and using Web search engines
for business research.
Management Decision Problems

1. Your company supplies ceramic floor tiles to Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other home improvement stores.
You have been asked to start using radio frequency identification tags on each case of tiles you ship to help
your customers improve the management of your products and those of other suppliers in their warehouses.
Use the Web to identify the cost of hardware, software, and networking components for an RFID system for
your company. What factors should be considered? What are the key decisions that have to be made in
determining whether your firm should adopt this technology?
2. BestMed Medical Supplies Corporation sells medical and surgical products and equipment from over 700
different manufacturers to hospitals, health clinics, and medical offices. The company employs 500 people at
seven different locations in western and midwestern states, including account managers, customer service
and support representatives, and warehouse staff. Employees communicate via traditional telephone voice
services, e-mail, instant messaging, and cell phones. Management is inquiring about whether the company
should adopt a system for unified communications. What factors should be considered? What are the key
decisions that have to be made in determining whether to adopt this technology? Use the Web, if necessary,
to find out more about unified communications and its costs.

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