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Glossary 617

software package A prewritten, precoded, commercially available system testing Tests the functioning of the information system as a
set of programs that eliminates the need to write software whole in order to determine if discrete modules will function
programs for certain functions. together as planned.
spam Unsolicited commercial e-mail. systems analysis The analysis of a problem that the organization
spoofing Tricking or deceiving computer systems or other will try to solve with an information system.
computer users by hiding one's identity or faking the identity systems analysts Specialists who translate business problems and
of another user on the Internet. requirements into information requirements and systems, acting
spyware Technology that aids in gathering information about a as liaison between the information systems department and the
person or organization without their knowledge. rest of the organization.
SQL injection attack Attacks against a Web site that take systems design Details how a system will meet the information
advantage of vulnerabilities in poorly coded SQL (a standard and requirements as determined by the systems analysis.
common database software application) applications in order to systems development The activities that go into producing an
introduce malicious program code into a company's systems and information systems solution to an organizational problem or
networks. opportunity.
storage area network (SAN) A high-speed network dedicated to systems life cycle A traditional methodology for developing an
storage that connects different kinds of storage devices, such as information system that partitions the systems development
tape libraries and disk arrays so they can be shared by multiple process into formal stages that must be completed sequentially
servers. with a very formal division of labor between end users and
strategic information system Information system that changes information systems specialists.
the goals, operations, products, services, or environmental
relationships of an organization to help gain a competitive T lines High-speed data lines leased from communications
advantage. providers, such as T-1 lines (with a transmission capacity of 1.544
strategic transitions A movement from one level of sociotechnical Mbps).
system to another. Often required when adopting strategic tablet computer Mobile handheld computer that is larger than a
systems that demand changes in the social and technical mobile phone and operated primarily by touching a flat screen.
elements of an organization. tacit knowledge Expertise and experience of organizational
streaming A publishing method for music and video files that flows members that has not been formally documented.
a continuous stream of content to a user’s device without being tangible benefits Benefits that can be quantified and assigned a
stored locally on the device. monetary value; they include lower operational costs and
structure chart System documentation showing each level of increased cash flows.
design, the relationship among the levels, and the overall place in taxonomy Method of classifying things according to a
the design structure; can document one program, one system, or predetermined system.
part of one program. teams Teams are formal groups whose members collaborate to
structured Refers to the fact that techniques are carefully drawn achieve specific goals.
up, step by step, with each step building on a previous one. teamware Group collaboration software that is customized for
structured decisions Decisions that are repetitive, routine, and teamwork.
have a definite procedure for handling them. technology standards Specifications that establish the
structured knowledge Knowledge in the form of structured compatibility of products and the ability to communicate in a
documents and reports. network.
Structured Query Language (SQL) The standard data technostress Stress induced by computer use; symptoms include
manipulation language for relational database management aggravation, hostility toward humans, impatience, and
systems. enervation.
subscription revenue model Web site charging a subscription telepresence Telepresence is a technology that allows a person to
fee for access to some or all of its content or services on an give the appearance of being present at a location other than his
ongoing basis. or her true physical location.
supply chain Network of organizations and business processes for Telnet Network tool that allows someone to log on to one computer
procuring materials, transforming raw materials into system while doing work on another.
intermediate and finished products, and distributing the finished test plan Prepared by the development team in conjunction with
products to customers. the users; it includes all of the preparations for the series of tests
supply chain execution systems Systems to manage the flow of to be performed on the system.
products through distribution centers and warehouses to ensure testing The exhaustive and thorough process that determines
that products are delivered to the right locations in the most whether the system produces the desired results under known
efficient manner. conditions.
supply chain management systems Information systems that text mining Discovery of patterns and relatio nships from large
automate the flow of information between a firm and its sets of unstructured data.
suppliers in order to optimize the planning, sourcing, token Physical device similar to an identification card that is
manufacturing, and delivery of products and services. designed to prove the identity of a single user.
supply chain planning systems Systems that enable a firm to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Designates the total cost of
generate demand forecasts for a product and to develop sourcing owning technology resources, including initial purchase costs,
and manufacturing plans for that product. the cost of hardware and software upgrades, maintenance,
support activities Activities that make the delivery of a firm’s technical support, and training.
primary activities possible. Consist of the organization’s Total Quality Management (TQM) A concept that makes quality
infrastructure, human resources, technology, and procurement. control a responsibility to be shared by all people in an
switch Device to connect network components that has more organization.
intelligence than a hub and can filter and forward data to a touch point Method of firm interaction with a customer, such as
specified destination. telephone, e-mail, customer service desk, conventional mail, or
switching costs The expense a customer or company incurs in lost point-of-purchase.
time and expenditure of resources when changing from one
supplier or system to a competing supplier or system.

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