hardware and software management

compatible

hardware sourced from common manufacturers or suppliers is more likely to be _ with each other than if a range of suppliers or manufacturers are used.

hardware management

computer technology relies on hardware and a result, _ is a significant part of

technology implementation.

asset registers

can be used to keep track of hardware (ex. bar codes)

maintenance

covering all items in a documented program and scheduling routine upkeep and inspection by trained technicians

server management

include a range of backup methods to ensure that network down time is minimized or eliminated and that data is regularly backed up

managing obsolescence

estimate expected lifespan, budgetary, consider if upgrade is necessary

software management

implementing a program that supports compliance with copyright laws

main issue in software management

illegal to make distributed copies without authorization

watchdog groups

represent software manufacturers that educate and enforce compliance with software rights

risks of software management

audit by SPA or BSA and penalties and fines

components of software management program

awareness program, compliance statement, central file for ownership documentation, software log, and annual self-audit

awareness program

educates users on copyright laws and their responsibilities for compliance (training and brochures)

compliance statement

organizations commitment, user accountability, and signature of user accepting responsibility

ownership documentation file

dated invoices, dated purchase lists, and completed license registration cards

software log

date and source of software acquisition, name of authorized user, location of physical installation media

self-audit

inventory of all software, reconcile inventory with documentation file, update log if necessary

coverage

some licenses cover one computer, others one user, and still others cover larger groups of user and computer combinations

pricing structure

cost of adding additional users or computers to your license may be cheaper than simply purchasing multiple copies of the same software package

rights of use

software licenses grant you certain rights as a user, as well as restricting certain uses of the software

rights granted to issuer

some licenses to provide the software company certain rights relating to software you install on your own computer

open source

program in which source code is available to general public; created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share changes within the community

freeware

copyrighted software given for free by the author (retains copyright); you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author

shareware

distributed on the basis of an honor system; inexpensive but usually a small fee is chared for registration and assistance

cost control

buy only the software that the organization needs to use

benefits of software management

employees will stay informed, software and information compatible, makes it easier to adapt to change

outsourcing

turning over a firm’s computer and network operations or other information systems functions to a vendor for a specified time

focus and value

drivers of outsourcing

full-service outsourcing

part of major restructuring activities, strategic deals (5 to 10 years)

selective outsourcing

only parts of the is department are outsourced, short-term deals (2 to 5 years)

transformational outsourcing

bridges the gap between the in-place systems and infrastructure and the desired future environment

decisions to outsource hinges

which information system activities are strategic to our company’s business, will outsourcing save us at least 15%, does our firm have access to the needed technology and expertise, does outsourcing increase our firm’s flexibility

activities that managers should not outsource

strategy, architecture of the system (including the network), decisions about when to introduce it into the organization, managing the vendor